Social media’s relentless churn spares no one – leaders, celebrities, and everyday folks alike are all swept up in its vortex. Whether we like it or not, we’re all part of the conversation, shaping and being shaped by the digital tide.
In this hyper-connected world, social media’s influence seeps into every crevice of our lives, from politics to entertainment, and even our personal choices. It’s a double-edged sword – empowering and overwhelming at the same time. The of online and offline is now blurred as apps sell data that gives you access to them specifically.
We are past the era of being information imbibers that depend on only reliable information hubs. For every story you read, there’s a countless number of other versions preaching a varied agenda. It’s an information overload. As the blurring intensifies, it’s crucial to stay aware – lest we wake up one day and realise our choices were made for us.
This is the reality of social media in Africa (and globally). It is reshaping rules, redefining influence, and reimagining what’s possible.
So buckle up and let’s dive in. Open your eyes and don’t be misled, misinformed or misdirected. Own your journey.
Social media has transformed the African political landscape, enabling citizens to engage with governments, mobilise action, and demand accountability. However, this newfound power comes with risks, as misinformation and government surveillance threaten the continent’s democracies.
Mobilising the Masses
Social media has become a crucial tool for African activists, allowing them to organise protests, share information, and amplify marginalised voices.
For instance, the ‘OccupyNigeria movement’ in 2012 sparked a broader movement for good governance, with social media facilitating coordination and mobilisation. Student websites, Twitter and others were crucial information sharing tools.
Similarly, South Africa’s ‘FeesMustFall’ movement used social media to mobilise support and spark a national conversation about access to education. The hashtag ‘#FeesMustFall’ was adopted on social media and campaign became unstoppable. An online community discussed the matter of Free education with results that are worth recording in history. Only public activism is not a game but a vital ingredient of public social discussion.
The Misinformation Epidemic
Social media’s dark side has also been exposed, as fake news and propaganda spread rapidly, influencing public opinion and election outcomes.
Kenya’s 2017 elections saw social media spread misinformation and hate speech, contributing to post-election violence.
False claims also circulated that Kaizer Chiefs signed a Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis, sparking excitement among some fans, only to be revealed as a hoax. A group of furious Kaizer Chiefs fans took it upon themselves to warn the social media perverts who were doing this. In a widely distributed statement on various platforms they insisted that they were aware of this ‘crop and paste’ of persons faces onto other pictures to create an impression that they were preaching is true. In a way they protected themselves from potential humiliation, forewarned the wrongdoers (current and potential) to refrain from doing such and became unpaid soldiers defending a brand that they believed in. How far that went in quelling the potential damage is debatable but it was a good message of intention by the fans against such retrogressive efforts.
Government Surveillance and Censorship
Some African governments have responded to social media’s growing influence with increased surveillance and censorship.
Uganda’s government has been accused of using social media to suppress dissent, with authorities arresting bloggers and shutting down platforms during elections.
Tanzania’s government introduced laws restricting online speech, citing national security concerns. Question is how do you balance this security versus freedom of speech.
Social Media and South Africa’s Local Government Elections
Social media is set to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of South Africa’s 2026 local government elections.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) seems to have recognised this as they are leveraging digital tools to boost voter registration and engagement, particularly among young people. In fact, latest reports suggest that 76% of voter registrations were processed through Voter Management Devices (VMDs), while 12% were done online.
The Role of Social Media in Voter Registration
The IEC has reported a growing enthusiasm for civic engagement, particularly among younger citizens who are taking advantage of online registration platforms.
Between January and September 2025, over 300,000 first-time voters (more likely to have been born after 2006 – in street lingo they are called ama-2000) joined the voters’ roll, with the highest monthly spikes recorded in September (71,324), August (50,714), and February (39,967).
Combating Misinformation and Disinformation
However, social media also poses risks, with disinformation and misinformation threatening to undermine electoral integrity.
South Africa’s IEC is working with social media platforms to remove false content and promote fact-checking initiatives. Fact-checking organisations like Africa Check are also playing a crucial role in debunking disinformation.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
Voter apathy could be a challenge as only 49% of eligible citizens (reported up to end 2025) seem to be intending to vote, posing risks to the legitimacy of municipalities.
The digital divide also poses a challenge. Efforts to combat disinformation must address unequal access to digital technologies and literacy.
Misinformation through social media platforms cannot be underestimated.
Conclusion
Social media’s impact on African politics is complex and multifaceted. While it has empowered citizens and mobilised action, it also poses risks to democracies and online freedoms. To harness its potential, Africans must prioritise media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible social media use.
Governments should balance regulation with the need to protect online freedoms. Citizens should engage critically with social media, verifying information and promoting accountability. Activists should leverage social media to mobilize support and amplify marginalized voices. By acknowledging social media’s double-edged nature, Africans can work towards a more inclusive, accountable, and just political future.
Don’t forget to read part IX.
Zikomo!!