Jacob Zuma is keeping up with the times, as this year's state of the nation address included specific reference to social media such as Facebook and Twitter, with the president also preparing his address on an iPad.
According to the Presidency, the iPad is Zuma's favourite gadget. Zuma himself said in a TV news report that he found it to be very “handy” as it allowed him to do multiple things at once.
In his speech, and much to the delight of South Africans using popular social networking sites, Zuma acknowledged the role of social media, saying: “We would like to thank all South Africans who contributed to this state of the nation address through mainstream media, social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as direct contact. The inputs have been very helpful.”
Participatory democracy
In the run up to the address, the Presidency sent out appeals for input from the nation via Facebook and Twitter. The response was so considerable that the topic even began to trend on Twitter. The Office of the Presidency reportedly filtered the messages before presenting them to Zuma.
While some were sceptical as to whether the president would even look at any of the comments and suggestions, Zuma made special mention of some posts on the Presidency's Facebook page.
“We are forging ahead, determined to achieve our mission of building a better life for all. And we are doing so with the help of our people. We appreciate the feedback they continue to give us,” said Zuma in his address.
“Bongokuhle Miya wrote on the Presidency Facebook page that his hometown, Umzimkhulu, is in an appalling condition, with burst sewerage pipes everywhere, no drainage system and domestic animals that are roaming around town. Indeed, we agree service delivery should move faster,” said Zuma.
The president said his “interactive government” also obtains information from direct contact with South Africans.
Speaking of the intentions of government to improve delivery of rental accommodation, Zuma said he hoped this would be welcome news to citizens such as Portia Busisiwe Mrwetyana “who wrote on our Facebook page about inequalities in Bekkersdal, where an informal settlement which has no services, lies alongside a suburb across the road with all amenities”.
Trending worldwide
The hashtag #SONA also became the third most popular topic on Twitter last night, even briefly surpassing #Egypt.
There was speculation on the social networking site whether the popularity of the event was due to a new drinking game suggested by 5fm DJ Gareth Cliff with the hashtag #JZSOTNDrinks. The game involved having to take a drink every time the president cleared his throat, touched his glasses, or said “absolutely”.
Some tweets included: “I wonder how many people watched the #sona2011 for the first time just to play the drinking game #JZSOTNDrinks” and “Big up to @GarethCliff and the morning crew for getting everyone involved in #SONA. Doesn't matter if it's not your party you still part of SA.”
There was also speculation prior to the address as to whether the president would use his iPad to deliver the speech. Zuma, however, relied on the tried and tested, more traditional method of the hard copy and teleprompter.
One tweet said: “I understand why Zuma didn't bring the iPad. Can't work that thing with sweaty hands or lick your finger before you turn the page. #SONA”
Despite the inclusion of social media and the president's new love for the iPad, the word “technology” was only mentioned once during the speech.
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