For The Record: Sunday Independent addresses inaccuracies in humanitarian aid report

THE Sunday Independent hereby fully and unreservedly retract the article titled “Why the US is quietly delivering humanitarian aid to Orania?”, under the byline of Manuel Godsin, published on 25 September 2025 on the IOL website under the sections of both the Sunday Independent and Sunday Tribune.

After a close investigation, the Sunday Independent acknowledges that the published article contained unverifiable or inaccurate statements of fact and disinformation regarding the activities of the United States and Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) concerning purported humanitarian aid to Orania.

Specifically, the Sunday Independent acknowledges that the author’s claim of involvement by the US or SpaceX in delivering aid to Orania has no merit and no factual basis. The article presented inaccuracies regarding the manner, purpose, and authorisation of such alleged aid, which the Sunday Independent now recognises may have been misleading.

The Sunday Independent sincerely apologises to SpaceX, the US government, and all affected parties for the dissemination of this misleading information. The Sunday Independent acknowledges the damage to reputation and public trust this has caused and undertakes to ensure more rigorous verification of facts.

As part of this retraction, we have removed the article from all our platforms, including online editions and social media.

The Sunday Independent remains committed to upholding journalistic standards, integrity, and public trust.

Sizwe Dlamini | Editor: Sunday Independent