Open Call: Truth Lab – Combat Misinformation and Create New Narratives

An open call to all creatives in committed to truth-telling and fact checking the media, Truth Lab is a multidisciplinary programme in Southern Africa aimed at strengthening critical media literacy and countering misinformation.

It brings together young journalists, Wikipedians, artists, fact-checkers and digital creators to explore how disinformation spreads and how more reliable, inclusive knowledge systems can be built.

Goethe-Institut crowd gathering for a media workshop | What's on in Joburg

Learn to shape truthful narratives and combat misinformation

Implemented jointly by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Goethe-Institut South Africa as part of the Franco-German Cultural Fund, the open call programme combines verification skills, artistic practice and community-based knowledge production.

Participants explore how truthful narratives can be constructed and shared, and how creative practices can help respond to the challenges posed by digital manipulation and information disorder.

Programme Structure

Goethe-Institut open call photo by Shirin Motala | What's on in Joburg — Image credit: Shirin Motala

Phase 1: Make & Fake Lab – Online (3 to 13 August 2026)

Ten-day online training focused on media literacy, fact-checking and digital verification. Sessions run weekdays (9am to 1pm SAST, incl. break). Facilitated by experts and partners including Wikipedia South Africa, MOXII Africa, Dr Christopher Nehring (Germany), and the National Press Club. *Note: 10 August is a public holiday in South Africa (no session).

Topics include:

Introduction to disinformation and its societal impact
Wikipedia and open knowledge systems
Indigenous and community knowledge systems
Wikimedia Commons and open content production
Fact-checking methodologies in African contexts
AI-generated disinformation and policy
Discussions with journalists and media professionals

Participants also take part in hands-on “Disinformation Lab” exercises to understand how manipulated content is created and detected. Phase 1 is fully online and free of charge. 30 participants will be selected.

Goethe-Institut open call | What's on in Joburg

Phase 2: Building Narratives Studio – Johannesburg (14 to 18 September 2026)

Phase 2 manifests in the form of a five-day in-person creative workshop in Johannesburg focused on transforming verified information into accessible narratives through artistic and digital practices. Up to 20 participants will be selected from Phase 1.

Creative outputs may include comics, posters, zines, illustrations and collages. The programme culminates in a public exhibition showcasing both final works and the investigative process.

Covered for selected participants:

Accommodation in Johannesburg (for non-Johannesburg residents, 6 nights)
Daily catering (coffee breaks and lunch)
Evening meal allowance (per diem, where applicable)
Travel and local transport (South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini)

Who can apply

The programme is open to young professionals based in South Africa, Lesotho or eSwatini working in journalism, media, factchecking, visual arts, illustration, design, comics, Wikipedia editing, community knowledge, education, research, or creative writing and publishing.

There is no age limit. The programme targets early- to mid-career practitioners with a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge production.

Eligibility Criteria

Residency in South Africa, Lesotho or eSwatini
Early- to mid-career professional status
Access to internet and digital device
Availability for Phase 1 (3 to 13 August 2026, mornings)
Willingness and ability to travel to Johannesburg for Phase 2 (if selected)
Valid passport

Selection Criteria

Phase 1 selection (30 participants):

Motivation and understanding of the programme
Quality of previous work or portfolio
Ability to contribute to a multidisciplinary group
Vision for applying learnings
Commitment to full participation

Phase 2 selection (up to 20 participants):

Active participation in Phase 1
Quality of outputs produced
Creative potential and motivation
Complementarity of skills
Clarity of project ideas

Cost: Free entry, submit your application via this form strictly in English. Please send your CV and a copy of ID/Passport and any queries to [email protected]

When: Applications must be submitted by 28 June 2026 at 11:59pm (SAST). If you do not hear back by 19 July 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Where: Online and in Joburg (dependent on selection for phase 2)