SA political debate alive online, too

The past few weeks have seen SA headlined across the globe about what Business Day correctly calls a conflict of personality instead of policy in the political arena. This comes after the ANC (African National Congress), once headed by Nelson Mandela, forced former president Thabo Mbeki to resign, closely followed by the majority of the cabinet. This past weekend's Sunday Times caused another stir of reaction with Archbishop Desmond Tutu saying that he would not vote in the 2009 elections unless the ANC healed itself while also calling for a “viable opposition” party to the ANC.

In parallel to all this drama, we're witnessing the power of social media at work. People passionate about their leaders, their country, their communities and their future are coming together, one voice (or blog) at a time, to make their opinions known. And it's not the first time.

Two recent examples outside the political situation include the Xenophobia situation in SA and the outrage towards Jon Qwelane's article in the Sunday Sun in which he equates homosexuality with bestiality. Both events saw a rife of activity across various social media platforms, from blogs to forums to groups.

What these and the current political online debates demonstrate is that the Internet offers a platform for people to extend the often censored or forgotten media reports to their own (online) neck of the woods. Unlike the often forgotten conversation fillers about the world, South Africans are joining their international brothers and sister by extending and openly sharing their thoughts and opinions on the Internet, creating permanent prints about important issues. Of note are Steve Hayes, Steve at It's Almost Supernatural, and Mike at The Running Commentary.

Tutu says that “democracy flourishes where there is vigorous debate.” It's time for these conversations to occur both on- and offline. And with the elections in SA fast approaching, candidates new and old would be ill-advised not to look towards the Internet. While it won't directly win them any votes, the Internet and social media will offer a bountiful of insight into people's passions and opinions while also offering a targeted support mechanic for all concerned.

• Original blog post published on 6 October 2008