Communities around the African continent have awoken to Hashtag activism in trying to address their political, social and economic concerns. Hashtag activism is described as the act of supporting a cause that is being advocated through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and other networking websites. Although sometimes criticized for its lack of effectiveness and promotion of lazy activism, it is the implementation of social media as a platform to raise awareness on a multitude of issues. But how effective is this activism vis-à-vis party political pressure on a government or an institution like a university? You’ll recall the #Feesmustfall in South Africa, the Arab Spring and now Zimbabweans have turned on the screws on government by starting the #This Flag, that is mobilising for a regime change in that country. To help us navigate through this social media phenomenon, we are joined on the line by:
Sibanengi Dube : Zimbabwe Exiles Forum
Trust Matsilela: A Zimbabwe journalist based in Johannesburg and is a PHD student researching on the effects of social media at the Johannesburg University
Jealousy Mawarire: National Spokesperson, Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF).
Ibo Mandaza: Zimbabwean Political Analyst
