PIIE is a multi-stakeholder coalition led by Moxii Africa, SANEF, and Africa Check, uniting civil society, media, tech platforms, and state organs to combat disinformation and safeguard South Africa's 2026 Local Government Elections.
The problem we face
The 2024 National and Provincial Elections marked a turning point for South Africa, seeing an unprecedented surge in digital threats—from deepfakes to targeted campaigns designed to undermine the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). As we approach the 2026 Local Government Elections, we cannot afford to work in silos. PIIE is a multi-stakeholder coalition—led by Moxii Africa, SANEF, and Africa Check—dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes. We are looking for partners to join this unified front.
Why Join PIIE?
In an era of rapid technological change and generative AI, no single organization can combat disinformation alone. By joining PIIE, you become part of a structured, high-impact framework that:
Move beyond reactive fact-checking to help build a healthy information ecosystem.
Amplify your impact
Leverage the collective reach of the partnership to ensure your research and alerts reach a wider audience.
Avoid duplication
Coordinate efforts with other players to ensure resources are used efficiently where they are needed most.
Protect democracy
Directly contribute to ensuring that South African voters are informed and empowered, rather than misled.
How can you contribute
We are looking for both Principal Members (CSOs, academics, and research institutes) and Associate Members (Tech platforms, media houses, and independent state organs). You can contribute by:
Monitoring & Research
Identifying and analyzing trends in mis- and disinformation.
Communication
Distributing verified information through your unique channels to combat "dark" or false narratives.
Strategic input
Serving on the steering committee or working groups to help shape policy and governance.
Commitment to value
Upholding the South African Constitution and a shared pledge toward mutual respect and transparency.
Membership Benefits: Resource & Insight Sharing: Gain access to shared research, tools, and a multi-stakeholder forum to strategize throughout the election cycle. Collaborative Innovation: Participate in Ad Hoc Working Groups to solve specific technical challenges, from algorithmic transparency to platform accountability. Autonomy: PIIE is designed to support your work, not dictate it. Membership fosters collaboration without detracting from your organization’s individual mandate.
Which member are you?
The proposed PIIE framework establishes a two-tiered membership structure designed to maintain a clear distinction between the watchdog role of civil society and the collaborative roles of other sectors.
Principal members
This category is strictly reserved for independent actors who serve a public interest or "watchdog" function.
Eligibility: Limited to independent civil society organizations (CSOs), research institutes, academics, and individuals.
Exclusions: Explicitly excludes organs of state and for-profit companies.
Track Record: Members must have an established history of work in elections, freedom of expression, or combating online harms in South Africa.
Governance: Founding CSO members in this tier are responsible for the steering committee, which handles governance, oversight, and policy decisions for PIIE.
Associate members
This is a broader category of membership, that unlike the primary members may include relevant for-profit entities and organs of state.
Eligibility: Includes for-profit entities, media companies, and relevant organs of state.
Sub-categories: Associate membership may include, for instance: (i) independent organs of state with a key role in the conduct of elections within the scope of PIIE’s work, such as the Government Communication and Information System, the South African Human Rights Commission and the Information Regulator; (ii) online platforms and other industry stakeholders, such as social media companies and internet service providers.
Role: These members provide essential platform and sector-specific cooperation to help PIIE meet its objectives without blurring the distinct roles of civil society.
Join us at the launch
Date: 26 March 2026
Core Partners: Moxii Africa, SANEF, Africa Check
Be more than a spectator in the fight for truth. Join PIIE and help us build a resilient, informed, and truly democratic South Africa.
