- Independent Media reveals identity of controversial X account ‘Goolam’ as Mohammed Yacoob Vawda.
- Vawda, associated with UKZN and SABC, is a stand-up comedian and radio personality.
- Evidence links Vawda to political parties and disinformation campaigns.
During a media briefing on Monday, Independent Media, led by Dr Iqbal Survé, disclosed that the face behind the notorious Goolam account is Mohammed Yacoob Vawda.
Controversial X account ‘Goolam’ exposed: Here’s what we know
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Vawda, who holds a PhD and is known as a stand-up comedian and radio personality, has been linked to harassment, defamation, and spreading misinformation online.
“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,” The Star editor Sifiso Mahlangu said.
The briefing was part of the Unmasking Project, an editorial campaign launched by Independent Media and IOL to expose individuals and networks undermining South Africa’s democracy.
Who is Mohammed Yacoob Vawda?
Vawda, allegedly associated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the SABC, was unmasked as the operator of the Goolam account.
Known for his academic achievements and comedic wit, Vawda’s revelation came as a surprise to many.
The investigation by Independent Media uncovered his direct links to two major political parties and senior leadership involved in a disinformation campaign.
“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,” Mahlangu added.
Evidence gathered pointed to a network including government departments, officials, and funders supporting misinformation campaigns, trolls, and bot farms.
“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 hinted.
‘Goolam’ account reacts to exposé
Following the exposé, the Goolam account responded with sarcastic and mocking remarks.
In a tweet, the account stated:
“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.”
The account continued to mock the situation by listing various identities it had been accused of in the past.