The Power of Social Media in a Time of Need

Written By: Mbekezeli Setsura

Social Media, technology platforms, and the digital world are front and center, particularly during this time of lockdown. Nowadays many of us spend more time typing than scribing. Holding high and carrying the spirit of Ubuntu wherever we go, many are already practising it all over social media.

This has become evident in Facebook groups. Multitudes are joining in doing all that seems to be good.

Those seeking employment now know that the Youth Of Tsomo is the group to search for. Employers and those with knowledge of open opportunities are now certain as to where to offer help.

As always, one must appreciate the history behind the initiative in order to understand it as a good deed.

The youth were struggling, especially after graduating, just because of lack of networking.

Lolly Nontombana, who created the Youth Of Tsomo Group with Onke Jonas, said that it was disheartening to see youth of Tsomo struggling to gain access to opportunities. This village in the Eastern Cape, where she is from, saw it’s youth struggling, especially after graduating, just because of lack of networking.

Lolly Nontombana, one of the creators of the Youth Of Tsomo Group.

In July 2014 the idea of a group where the youth of South Africa could connect, seek, and share opportunities and advice came about. The group has since grown, with at least 2 people giving testimony each day of how the group had been of assistance to them.

It is up to us to work together and unleash that potential.

Lolly further said that Africa has a lot of potential as we hold the highest population of young people. It is up to us to work together and unleash that potential.

Many have taken to the comments section of an appreciation post for Aus’ Lolly, to give testimony of how the group has played a positive role in shaping their lives for the better. One Facebook user said that the group was like a dream come true. After engaging in the group, they were never the same person again. Many affirm that their opportunities are also coming their way through the group.

We all need some good deeds and good words in these trying times.

Other groups, such as the I Know A Guy (IKAG), which is a network of influencers, employers, and freelancers believe in sharing opportunities and recommending the right guy for the job.

#JOIN THE CAUSE group is also doing the rounds and making sure that people get the help that they seek, because we all need some good deeds and good words in these trying times.

We should all imitate the traits of the spirit of Ubuntu that are circulating on social media.

But don’t let it stop there. Let us practice it in all corners of our beloved South Africa when we get through this pandemic.