Independent Media on X Account Goolam
Durban, South Africa – Independent Media, led by Dr Iqbal Survé, has unveiled the identity behind the controversial X account Goolam, which has been known for harassment, defamation, and spreading misinformation online. The face behind the ghost account is Mohammed Yacoob Vawda, a 37-year-old man from Durban. This revelation was made during a media briefing held as part of Independent Media’s Unmasking Project on Monday.
The Unmasking Project
The Unmasking Project is an editorial campaign launched by Independent Media and IOL aimed at exposing individuals and networks working to undermine South Africa’s democracy. Vawda, who is alleged to be associated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the SABC, holds a PhD and is also known as a stand-up comedian and radio personality.
Coordinated Social Media Attacks
According to Independent Media, the project seeks to expose a coordinated attack through social media disinformation and misinformation campaigns designed to sway public opinion and divert attention from democratic processes. The media briefing, attended by Independent Media’s editorial staff, IOL staff, Executive Chairman Dr Iqbal Survé, former Minister of Intelligence Lindiwe Sisulu, and other dignitaries, shed light on these efforts.
Unmasking the Network
Host of the briefing, Editor of The Star, Sifiso Mahlangu, described the project as a series of exposés aimed at uncovering a shadowy network of individuals. “Social justice, non-racialism, transformation, and economic empowerment are not just buzzwords; they are the pillars of a fair and equitable society. At Independent Media, we are dedicated to these principles, working tirelessly to address inequalities, promote inclusion, and empower marginalised communities. Giving a voice to the marginalised is not just a job, it is our responsibility,” said Managing Editor Melanie Peters.
IOL Editor-in-Chief Lance Witten emphasised the importance of media freedom as the cornerstone of democracy. “It allows for the free flow of information, holds power to account, and provides a platform for diverse perspectives. IOL stands firm in its commitment to media freedom, ensuring that we can report the truth without fear or favour,” Witten said.
Evidence Against Vawda
“We have gathered a body of evidence that linked Vawda to activities that are not only harmful, but also contrary to the principles of our democratic society,” Mahlangu said. The investigation revealed Vawda’s direct links to two major political parties and their senior leadership, who are allegedly involved in a disinformation campaign. The network also includes several government departments, officials, and a network of funders that support misinformation campaigns, trolls, and bot farms.
Future Exposés
Mahlangu announced that over the next few weeks, a series of exposés will be published. “Among Vawda’s staunchest defenders is Ismail Abramjee, who, according to the Laudium Sun publication, was a known ally of apartheid president PW Botha. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. We will, over the course of the next few weeks, unravel the funding mechanisms, institutions, and individuals that form part of this disinformation network,” Mahlangu said.
Respect for Privacy
“Apart from this information, we have built up a body of evidence of Vawda’s interactions, dealings, and associates, which, out of respect for him, his family, and community, we will not make public.”
He further stated that there has been a link to three people, one in the office of the presidency, now linked to GCIS, one in Gauteng, and Vawda in KwaZulu-Natal.
Sisulu’s Experience
Lindiwe Sisulu, who has also been a victim of the Goolammv account, spoke on the panel about her experiences. “The attacks came as I was running for president of the ANC. I think the only thing I have not been accused of is murder,” she explained. Sisulu described the toll these attacks took on her and how the media would often write about her negatively. She joked that newspaper owners owed her, as she sold so many newspapers.
Sisulu said she took the matter to the Public Protector, the ombudsman, and more, discovering that the person behind the attacks was from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office. “Goolammv has done me harm. He has done and brought my family sadness,” Sisulu said.
Call for Victims to Come Forward
A plea has also been made to those who have fallen victim to the Goolammv account to come forward. “Over the course of many years, several institutions, individuals, and entities have fallen victim to this disinformation network. Together, we will be launching a criminal investigation through the relevant authorities. We will also be pursuing civil litigation and a possible class action suit against those individuals, their networks, and institutions responsible for the destruction of individuals through defamation and disinformation. There is no room in society for the likes of these networks that undermine the very spirit of our democracy,” Witten said.
Response from the Goolam Account
The ghost account Goolam responded, saying, “Last week Iqbal Surve ‘exposed’ me as an apartheid-era spy. Go to his TL, you will find at least 10 tweets calling me that. His Sunday Independent even did a full article on that. Today I am a 37-year-old Mohammed Vawda. If I was the apartheid-era spy, that means as a 3 or 4-year-old I was doing the spying 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”
“IQBAL SURVE HAS EXPOSED ME FOR THE 4th TIME. First, I was a journalist that was part of a Kathrada Funeral WhatsApp group. Then I was a Thabo working in Pravin’s office. Then I was Tasneem working in GCIS. Today @IqbalSurve claims I am a MOHAMMED VAWDA, a stand-up comedian 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣” said Goolam.
For more updates, follow the unfolding story on all Central News Digital Platforms.
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