The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) has accused Big Tech and the Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications of disregarding calls to discuss how to combat disinformation and hate speech during the approaching elections.

SANEF published a blistering attack on Wednesday, accusing Meta (Facebook), X (Twitter), Tik Tok, Google, and Parliament itself of ignoring its requests for dialogue on the subject.

This follows several public announcements by big tech companies of their strategies to contribute to elections in the European Union and the USA.

According to SANEF, there is a lack of enthusiasm for partnerships or dialogue in South Africa, from Big Tech firms, which operate in, and profit from, the country.

“SANEF expresses its anger at being “ghosted” by Big Tech companies and our Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications,” the group said.

“In a constructive spirit, SANEF wrote in mid-February, and followed up more than once, with the top four social media companies and Parliament, requesting a discussion about joint action to combat disinformation and hate speech during the upcoming elections.”

SANEF stated that the outreach to Big Tech over their South African plans followed a document adopted by the organisation's council on 10 February that detailed an analysis of predicted electoral risks and offered steps to reduce these risks.

According to SANEF, after two reminders, TikTok and X (previously Twitter) had yet to acknowledge the request by this month.

It added: "Meta gave a vague statement, promising to respond in due course, but six weeks later had not done so. Google agreed to a meeting, but the subsequent discussion saw the corporation offer only basic responses rather than specific cooperation.

“A message from the secretariat of the Parliamentary Committee saw its chairman, Boyce Maneli, being reminded to respond to SANEF.

“Disappointingly, Maneli chose not to respond. Meanwhile, SANEF is aware of at least one engagement by the Committee with Big Tech, and of an extensive programme for discussions with the others.”

SANEF said as the elected representative of South Africa’s media voices in favour of election integrity, it finds it reprehensible to be given the cold shoulder on a matter of such national importance.

“The only interpretation we can make of such shoddy treatment is that it demonstrates a lack of accountability and commitment by the interlocutors to serious electoral action to protect journalists online, limit hate speech, and promote authoritative information,” said SANEF.

The organisation said its doors remain open for dialogue.