Growing up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, social media was a concept almost inconceivable. Pen pals were the only remotely close thing to DM’s, but with a much longer turnaround time (several weeks to months). When the mobile social networking platform Mxit launched in the late 2000s, it felt like we were living in the future. However, with the rise of other social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, Mxit, like many other early platforms, gradually lost popularity. We saw the birth of more and more platforms that have become almost second nature for keeping in touch with friends and family.

For South African youth, social media has become integral to our lives. From sharing pictures with friends to staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends, social media has made the world more connected. But social media is not just about selfies and hashtags. It has become a powerful tool for young people to effect social and political change.

One of the most significant social movements driven by social media in South Africa is the #FeesMustFall movement. In 2015, South African students took to social media to protest against the rising costs of university fees. The movement quickly gained momentum, and thousands of students took to the streets in peaceful protests. The movement eventually led to a freeze on university fees. The government has committed to finding a long-term solution. We are currently witnessing unrest resume again concerning the high university fees.

More recently, social media has played a crucial role in the protests against gender-based violence in South Africa. In September 2019, the country was shocked by the brutal murder of a young woman, Uyinene Mrwetyana. Her death sparked nationwide protests, with women taking to social media to share their stories of sexual harassment and violence. The protests were so significant that the government was forced to take action, including implementing harsher sentences for perpetrators of gender-based violence.

These are just two examples of how social media has been used to effect change in South Africa. But using social media for activism comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most significant challenges is online harassment. Activists who use social media to drive change often become targets of online abuse and threats. It is essential to take precautions, such as using privacy settings and reporting abusive behaviour, to protect oneself.

Another challenge is misinformation. Misinformation can be harmful and can even undermine the effectiveness of social movements. Social media is full of false information, and it is essential to verify the facts before sharing anything.

Despite these challenges, many young South Africans use social media to drive change. One such activist is 23-year-old Zulaikha Patel. In 2016, Zulaikha was at the forefront of the #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh movement, which protested against the school’s racist hair policies. Zulaikha used social media to share her story and rally the movement’s support. Her activism eventually led to changes in the school’s policies and sparked a national conversation about racism in South Africa.

If you are interested in using social media for activism, here are some practical tips:

Use privacy settings to protect yourself from online harassment.
Verify the facts before sharing anything on social media.
Use hashtags to raise awareness and to make your message more visible.
Engage with other activists and organisations to amplify your message.
Remember that social media is just one tool for activism, and it is also essential to take offline action.

As young people in South Africa, we must continue to harness the power of social media to effect positive change in our communities and the world at large. It is important to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter to us and use social media to amplify our voices and connect with like-minded individuals and organisations. By doing so, we can help drive social and political change and create a more just and equitable society for all.

My call to action for all young people in South Africa is to use social media to effect positive change. Let us support each other, share our stories, and amplify our voices. Doing so can make a difference and create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.

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Tell us: Is there a hashtag that you are enjoying using lately? Or one that you have seen trending? Share with us in the comments!

If you enjoyed this article, read about the dangers of social media here.