by Patience Maganzo
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of the South) _“Zwitter” raises tuition fees for Ranganai Zhakata to study at University of Zimbabwe.
The greatest invention of the 21st century, internet has brought a lot of mixed feelings through its social media applications. Social media birthed a new phenomenon, cyber bulling which has ruined many people’s lives. It is easy to fabricate lies and tarnish a person’s image through social media. However, there is a lot of goodwill on social media as well, particularly on twitter.
South African twitter user, Abayomi Adekunle Keabetswe Jan, popularly known as Akreana, posted a now famous tweet which reads “O Jewa Ke eng” on the 5th of January. The tweet went viral and up to today it has more than 20 000 comments, 11 000 retweets and 37 000 likes and that is mind blowing. The tweet which loosely translates to “what’s bothering you” has helped a lot of twitter users through getting jobs, counselling or medical help for not only South Africans but the rest of Africa as well. Her viral tweet has strengthened the bond we have as Africans and deepened our Ubuntu culture as people from all corners of Africa debate ways to solve their problems. We are grateful for the platform she gave us which has become a shoulder to cry on, a safe place to vent and get help. Technology is the tool that will set Africa free.
Zimbabwean twitter, popularly known as Zwitter, is also filled with positive and inspiring stories amidst the economic hardships being experienced. These past few months have been really hard for ordinary Zimbabweans as their salaries have been eroded due to the RTGS Dollar losing value. Basic commodities’ prices are skyrocketing daily, making it difficult to afford a decent meal.
@millythebae shared Ranganai Zhakata’s story yesterday on twitter. “Ranganai Zhakata from Kamabarami, Murewa got 15 points at A level and he got a place at University of Zimbabwe for BSc in Acturial Science but he can’t fund himself. He is currently selling newspapers at Murewa Bus Terminus. Twittter do your thing #helping hand #Thursday motivation.”
Kuda Musasiwa, a Zimbabwean producer, entrepreneur, and founder of tech based business “Fresh in a Box”, took the initiative to start a go fund me on twitter to raise money for Ranganai Zhakata’s tuition. After contributions from various twitter users they managed to raise 4000 RTGS Dollars and $200 US for tuition, accommodation and food, 1000 RTGS Dollars for his clothing needs in just a matter of hours. In addition there are pledges for food, laptop, data and printing costs for his first year at University. These acts of kindness will go a long way for Ranganai Zhakata and his family. Together we are stronger and together we go further even in times of need.
With the advent of digitalisation, social media has grown popular over the past years and almost everyone spends a percentage of their time online. News sites have gone digital, marketing has focused on online advertising too. If greatly utilised, the internet can also promote philanthropic work, as with the case of Ranganai. Coming together to help, will always bring a happy ending.
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