Nairobi: Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has arrived in Kenya on a working visit to the East African nation. The Deputy Minister will also attend the TikTok Safer Internet Summit.
According to South African Government News Agency, Kenya is the largest trading partner of South Africa outside of the SADC region. Its exports are primarily products, while South Africa exports semi- and manufactured products to Kenya. Morolong emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral engagements that have been enjoyed by both countries since 1994. He highlighted the similarities between the two nations, noting both have a government of national unity and coalition governments formed through various elections in Kenya.
Morolong is accompanied on the visit by officials from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and Brand SA. He explained the purpose of this collaboration: "We are here with GCIS, which is responsible for government communication and coordination, to share best practices between ourselves and Kenya." He also emphasized the role of Brand SA in showcasing South Africa's cultural diversity and economic potential on international platforms.
A significant aspect of the Deputy Minister's agenda is the 2026 TikTok Safer Internet Summit, scheduled for 10 to 11 March. Morolong expressed optimism about the creative potential of digital platforms for creators, noting TikTok's empowering role. However, he also warned of the substantial risks accompanying technological advancement, particularly the evolution of AI, which has introduced challenges such as misinformation, disinformation, and deep fakes.
Morolong cited research indicating that by 2025, only 21% of the South African population might be able to differentiate between authentic content and deepfakes. This concern underscores the importance of engaging with TikTok on digital safety challenges to address the potential erosion of public trust caused by misinformation and deepfakes.