Propaganda Machine
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The maneuvers of Russian influence agents in South Africa, Namibia and Madagascar
In these three countries, Russian influence agents engaged in covert operations during election campaigns between 2019 and 2025, according to a data leak reviewed by Forbidden Stories and its partners. In Johannesburg, secret meetings were held between specialists from “The Company,” a network run by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, and leaders of the ANC. In Madagascar, the operatives supported and then attempted to isolate President Rajoelina. Through smear campaigns against the opposition and fabricated documents, they actively supported candidates deemed pro-Russian. This is the fourth article in the Propaganda Machine series.
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Key Findings
In South Africa, according to documents obtained by Forbidden Stories, secret meetings took place between Russian agent “9477” and Fikile Mbalula, secretary general of the African National Congress. Mbalula’s advisor, Bongani Mbindwane, allegedly received $3,000 per month in early 2025 in exchange for his services. “The Company” is behind several smear campaigns against the opposing political party.
In Namibia, “The Company” produced fake letters and videos to discredit the rival IPC party.
In 2023, “The Company” planned disinformation campaigns to “force” Madagascar President Rajoelina to “seek Russia’s help again.”
By Eloïse Layan , with Léa Peruchon
March 13th, 2026
Secret meetings in Johannesburg
On Dec. 23, 2024, in the private lounge at the African Pride Hotel in Johannesburg, a Russian influence agent — code name “9477” — and his translator met with one of the most influential men in South Africa.
Fikile Mbalula is the secretary general of the African National Congress, or ANC, historically Nelson Mandela’s party, and is a potential candidate for the 2029 presidential election.
The meeting was secret, but Forbidden Stories consulted Agent 9477’s written account. “I briefly reported on the results of the 2024 mission,” he says. He details how Mbalula, who had been joined by his advisor Bongani Mbindwane, thanked the Russians “for their assistance before the elections” in May and June 2024 and “stated that he would like the mission to continue to help the party, particularly in the run-up to the 2026 elections” at the municipal level. Agent 9477 also describes Mbalula requesting “support for the shooting of a film to coincide with the party’s anniversary … and $300,000 to finance the organization of the party congress.” The meeting ended with “gifts offered to Mbalula, Mbindwane and their families” for Christmas, according to the memo.
The links between Russia and the ANC, an anti-apartheid movement and member of the Socialist International, date back to the days of the Soviet Union. But this meeting, along with more than 1,400 pages of leaked data initially received by the pan-African newspaper The Continent and shared with Forbidden Stories, reveals much more direct support delivered outside diplomatic channels.
In 76 internal documents from an entity called “The Company” — better known as Politology and led by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR — Russian influence agents formerly employed by Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin report their activities in Africa and Latin America : carrying out disinformation operations, smear campaigns and election interference. This new article in the Propaganda Machine series deciphers the political maneuvers developed by Russian agents to keep “friendly” regimes in power, particularly in South Africa, Namibia and Madagascar. These campaigns have remained secret until now.
A red nose, a young lover and accusations of racism
The signature is identical, as is the logo. But “it is so badly written that it is actually an insult, and bears no resemblance to the DA’s position,” posted Helen Zille, president of the liberal Democratic Alliance party, in June 2024, referring to a letter signed in her name. This document, purportedly internal to the DA, describes the party’s alleged political schemes to remove the ANC from power once a coalition had been formed. The data leak reveals it’s a forgery: “a document fabricated” by Russian agents.
Screenshot from social media showing racist mugs reading “There is only one race on the race,” reportedly linked to John Steenhuisen’s birthday, during South Africa’s 2024 presidential campaign. An example of fake news and disinformation at the time. (Credit: Forbidden Stories)
Screenshot from the Wayback Machine showing the now-defunct website [dumballiance.com], reportedly created by Russian agents during South Africa’s 2024 presidential campaign, depicting John Steenhuisen in a clown costume alongside other scandals involving Democratic Alliance members. (Credit: Forbidden Stories)
That same year, with South Africa in the midst of a presidential race, fake news and disinformation operations against the DA multiplied. An ord…
Read the full article at Forbidden Stories →
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