Call for Applications – Truth Lab 2026

A Franco-German initiative by French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) & Goethe-Institut South Africa

ABOUT THE PROJECT

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. 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 programme combines verification skills, artistic practice and community-based knowledge production.

Participants will 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

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

Ten-day online training focused on media literacy, fact-checking and digital verification. Sessions run weekdays (09:00–13:00 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 will also take part in hands-on “Disinformation Lab” exercises to understand how manipulated content is created and detected.

30 participants will be selected. Phase 1 is fully online and free of charge.

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

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, fact-checking, 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 (3–13 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

HOW TO APPLY

Apply via the online form.

Deadline: 28 June 2026 at 23:59 (SAST)

All applications must be submitted in English.

Contact: culture@frenchinstitute.org.za

If you do not hear back by 19 July 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.

ABOUT THE FRENCH INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA (IFAS)

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) is the cultural cooperation agency of the French Embassy in South Africa. It supports artistic creation, cultural exchange, education and innovation between France and Southern Africa.

ABOUT GOETHE-INSTITUT SOUTH AFRICA

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, active worldwide. In South Africa, it promotes international cultural cooperation, supports artistic exchange and strengthens access to language and culture.