Durban Chamber of Commerce slams lockdown level 5 voice note
Anyone who spreads fake news about Covid-19 is liable for persecution according to the Disaster Management Act.
THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC slammed a WhatsApp voice note in which an unidentified speaker shares fake news about the current lockdown level.
In the voice note, the speaker claims they are going to a meeting at the Chamber and then alleges: “we will be going to a modified lockdown level 5 as of next week. Johannesburg to be on lockdown for 21 days, Durban still deciding.”
Palesa Phili, CEO Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC, disputed the claims.
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“The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC unequivocally distances itself from the WhatsApp voice note currently circulating on social media platforms. In an effort to make the voice note credible, the speaker is claiming to have been to a meeting at The Durban Chamber of Commerce offices,” said Phili.
“The Durban Chamber would like to put it on record that the clip did not emanate from our offices and the source is unknown. We urge the person responsible to cease and desist from spreading false information and using the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry brand name. We further request members of the public to stop circulating the recording and giving it more airtime,” added Phili.
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Phili reminded citizens that anyone who spreads fake news about Covid-19 is liable for persecution according to the Disaster Management Act.
“The Durban Chamber would like to profusely apologies to business, stakeholders and the public for any confusion and inconvenience caused. The number of people being affected by the virus is currently on the rise and we would like to plead with everyone to remain committed in adhering to the Covid-19 rules and regulations to curb the scourge at an accelerated rate,” concluded Phili.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
