Social media: the good, the bad and SowambeSocial media is a nasty distraction; I have to literally close Facebook if I am to get any work done because if the site is left open on my browser, there's a more than likely chance I'm going to keep up with my "friends'" every move. Twitter is a whole other beast - I'd say it's almost an addiction; to constantly be in the know and to be on top of things, from general politics to NASA's latest trip into outer space, is very satisfying - it allows you to form an opinion on just about everything. Social media may have its bad points, but if you're a business owner, celeb, politician etc. it's one of the greatest tools to promote yourself. Nigeria-based new media company Sowambe aims to recognise those in Africa who have used social media to its full potential by launching the continent-wide Sowambe Awards. Nominations open this week, so feel free to put your name / business out there. It's a young initiative, but I think it's bound to grow in the coming years with the constant rise in the use of social media across Africa. Ciao, Sindy Peters, Africa editor
Responses to this column welcomed in our online editor's column archive.
Send all your Africa marketing news africanews@bizcommunity.com.
Today's top stories
Special focus on media freedom
[Shehnilla Mohamed] The right to receive and impart information is a fundamental human right enshrined in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but in Zimbabwe, watching news of North African and Middle East protests apparently amounts to treason. Read more >> [Theresa Mallinson] Did you know they have "press rallies" in Malawi? That the media in Senegal is relatively free, but doesn't always report the news responsibly? That most of Kenya's media is owned by politicians? These are just a few of the many interesting - and chilling - facts and opinions that came to light at a panel discussion in Johannesburg last week. Read more >> NEW YORK: On Friday, 4 March 2011, in Libya, authorities prevented foreign journalists invited to report in the country from covering the crackdown on protesters in the capital, according to news reports. In southern Iraq, anti-riot police attacked at least five local journalists covering protests in Basra, according to news reports. Read more >>Digital
The Sowambe Awards, a social media awards platform for Africa, will be launched in South Africa with nominations starting from 10-19 March 2011. The awards aims to recognise the best social media adopters, talents, agencies, celebrities, politicians, personalities and professionals as well as social media-based web platforms in Africa. Read more >>[Garreth Bloor] The benefits of social media need no further explanation, but what about the drawbacks? Is there really an associated health risk? The verdict is not yet out, but two British scientists think too much time online may be bad for your body - and your brain. Read more >> Education and Training
[Issa Sikiti da Silva] In a country where more than four million children of schooling age do not attend primary school, teachers go unpaid for 20 months, insecurity and fear of rape keep young girls out of school, and depleted schools lack everything from doors to windows, pens, desks, books, drinking water, electricity and computers, just talking about education brings tears to the eyes of many parents and educationalists. Read more >> Nine Nigerian travel trade representatives are currently spending a 10-day holiday in South Africa, courtesy of SA Tourism (SAT). The travel consultants who left Lagos on Tuesday night, 1 March 2011, are winners of SAT's six-module online travel expert programme also known as Fundi. Read more >>Eventing
In partnership with First National Bank(FNB) and in association with Regenesys Business School and Swiss International Airlines, Ernst & Young is accepting nominations for the 2011 Southern Africa chapter of the World Entrepreneur Awards. The closing deadline for applications is 30 April 2011. Read more >>Media
[Gregory Gondwe] A journalist working for the state-controlled Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), which operates both TV and radio services, has taken a swipe at the local media for criticising government on a number of observed governance gaffes. Read more >> Mobile
Mobile operator MTN Group said on Friday (4 March 2011) that it anticipated an increase of between 18% and 23% in adjusted headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the year ended December 2010 compared with the prior period. Read more >>LONDON, UK: MediaCom has named Ivan Fernandes as global director, Social Media Technology. He will ensure that clients have access to the greatest possible understanding of platforms such as blogs, forums, Twitter and Facebook. In line with the agency's philosophy of "People First, Better Results", he will work to reinforce MediaCom's position as the agency that best understands consumers in the digital sphere. Read more >> More International news...
[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] Toyota has added an extra dollop of cream and a good few fresh cherries (including great versatility) to its popular Verso range, including a first-time offering of a silky smooth CVT transmission model. Read more >> More Motoring news...
Statistics SA has released tourism figures for December 2010 and the results point to a shift in traditional source markets, with some serious growth in Asian-Pacific visitors. Read more >> More Travel news...
[Ruth Cooper] In 2008, aKING brought us the near-perfect debut album, Dutch Courage. A little over a year later their next offering Against All Odds launched to mixed reviews. Safe to say that we were quite interested to see whether third album Red Blooded Years would be a case of 'third time's the charm' or 'three strikes, and you're out.' Read more >> More BizLounge news...
Click here to customise your jobs section
Click here to customise your events section
"Intrigue is the focus. Desire is the catalyst. Inspiration is the spark. Creativity is the fire." - Anonymous
Print - Print any item in this newsletter.
Email - Email any item in this newsletter.
Comment - Comment on any item in this newsletter.
Sponsors:
|
|
|