Some obviously fake polls are doing the rounds on social media.

A number of doctored images are being shared that show parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or the Patriotic Alliance (PA) polling very well, ahead of the 4 November local government elections (LGE).

The images use a modified graphic from the Daily Maverick, which had covered polling data from the Social Research Foundation (SRF), which has partnered with The Common Sense to provide regular polling data on South Africa.

The images, however, do not show the true polling numbers and also do not show that they are from the SRF, but rather from two non-existent organisations, the “LGE Research Foundation” and the “Observant Network”.

Internet searches for both organisations show no internet or social media presence under either name. It is highly unlikely for any organisation to have no internet or social media presence in 2026.

One doctored image, posted on X by a user called Tshepo Letlalo, shows the EFF getting 27% of the vote in the LGE.

Another doctored image was shared by Grant Pascoe on Facebook and showed the PA to be on 20% in the Western Cape. Pascoe is a serial party hopper, having been in the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, and GOOD.

Below is the Daily Maverick original chart of the SRF polling data.

It is very easy to tell the difference between legitimate polling and these amateur efforts. Legitimate polls will appear on serious top flight sites with a track record of accurate analysis and obvious links to sources and methodologies. The Common Sense publishes extensive data, both its own and from trustworthy third parties, and should be your go to source for data on domestic and global political opinion.