Social Media Platforms, great opportunities for each one to teach one

"Each One Teach One". That's one of the popular slogans I used to hear especially during the times of education drives and campaigns across Namibia.

Today, I think that slogan is even more relevant with the social media platforms where each one with a good intention - a person who wants to improve the knowlege of his or her nationa can teach one.

The platforms are so readily available, and most of the time, our mobile phones and other gadgets or devices have the necessary tools for each person to share knowledge with the next person. That information can be sent instantly in an easier and fast manner.

That's why I am saying, we can all teach another another, whether you are close or far from me, all we need to do is to careflly select the good and information text and type it on particular platforms - whether in terms of cultural diversity, our faiths, technology, agriculture, sports and actulaly everything...your receipient or target receiver does not need to pay a cent for that knowlege.

Why don't we then just make use the each one teach one opportunities? Let's share this message and really make use of these developments as we build our nations - a woman who cooks great Kapana can share the receipe with other vendors who then can learn from her to put upt quality kapana... locally made - products - with great quality - through information sharing through each one teach one methodology by using the social media platforms.

Information as they say is power my friends and why not empowering ourselves?

Are you challenged in managing the social media for common good of your family, community, organization or country and the world? What do you think is the best way to manage the web platforms for the benefits of most if not all of us?

The social media revolution has changed a lot of our daily communication activities, patterns, frequencies and has larged altered the traditional way of sharing information. Many especially those users who are knowledgeable on how to largetly benefit from the online communication have fun and cannot stop to make use of the various platforms such development has broung into the lives of many.

However, there those who are yet to fully acquaint themselves with the inner working systems of the social media and how to manage or control it for the common good. This challenge has cut across the board from countries big and small the world over, communities, organizations, families and friends' circles.

Recently, media reports highlighted the "Snow Den Genius" versus technology usage which irked some United States Political Organs and Power Echelons.  This is a good example that social media and informatin sharing using various technology tools has not only raised eye-brows in developing countries, but in first world set ups too.

We read about Wiki Leaks, and I think technology too had to with it especially in terms of information sharing. A lot was said about social media having kick-started political revolutions especially in some northen African countries and the Middle East.

Various organizations including business and non profit-making have also been thinking deep about the internet usage policy and how their employees or stakeholders with particular interests in the business can related to the social media usage in the public domain.

Media Houses too are not immune, individuals journalists find themselves wanting to express themselves in their own capacity about what they experienced as individuals and not necessarily speaking on behalf of their organizations - a thin line between an individual point of view and that of the business. The question of carefully distinguishing between a personal or human right to freedom of expression vesus that of protecting the interest of the business a person works for becomes critical. Who should be protected in this case, the individual or the business? I guess balancing the two is the way to go.

Familes are also grappling with the same online usage information sharing - you find that a particular family member who so open minded and has no issues with sharing his or her own experience would want to go public by using the various platforms such as facebook, twitter, linkedin, google plus, blogging and even vlogging as well as Whatssup to share his or her feelings.  For instance, a particular person might want to share with her friends on a particular page that he or she has contracted a particular diseases/virus or was ill and has recovered and now wants to advice others to avoid what he or she might have done or just share good practices to be healthy. This action could however be seen as sharing private information in terms of the family members who are linked to the same person. Again, the issue of control becomes vital, but how does not control this - do you stop the indiividual from expressing him or herself which could mean healing- emotional or spiritual healing to that person and protect family, or do you allow the individual to share his or her version and expose the family?

In Namibia for example, but also in some other countries -some political organizations' members have been accused of using the social media in an improper manner - to instead talk bad about fellow members instead of using the platforms to advance the interests of their set ups. Calls to ban some pages on the online platforms also came from some quarters -  but the question again is - what does this situation tell us as Namibians, whether in families, communities, businesses and political parties?

To me, this case presents a huge opportunity - to see how we can educate ourselves more about the social media to advance our interests and how such platforms can destory ourselves if not properly used. The user abusing such platforms also indicates such weakness in that particular person - and calls for help in terms of how to improve his or her usage of the social media. It also rings a bell about the maturity of a particular group, community, nation etc especially in terms of not only managign the web platforms but also the management thereof. Yes, to some, these could be great political tools to finish others, but in the end, I am not convinced that especially in our Namibian context that a person doing so - insulting others will be a Hero or Heroine one day - or have peace of mind for the rest of his life. I am sure that if such a person has a clear conscious, he or she will definitely be haunted by his or her actions one day especially if these were deliberate.

But, for those who are yet to know the consequences or seriousness of using the web to the detriment of others, we stand a good chance to improve and change for the better. The social media has so much that an individual, business, community, family and country can benefit from. It is up to us to manage these to our advantage because doing the opposite will defnitely destroy all of us.

Namibia for instance has been leading as Africa's jewel in terms of Press Freedom - and this must include Social media as we go - there it will only be good if we as Namibians, especially those that still need to know the benefits of social media can just acquaint ourselves with its legal usage so that we can retain the title of being the best when it comes to media freedom.

Namibia has always been the fore-runner of Press/Media Freedom in Africa. Credit goes to everyone who contributed to this development. I am encouraing all of us to retain this title.

My call comes in the wake of  concerns of the perceived inability to manage social media either at the family, friends and groups, community, business,  government and mainly at political party levels.

Social media forms part of  freedom of expression platforms especially for the media and now almost everybody else as long as a particular person has access to  the online web platforms, has intenet  and knows how to make use of facebook, twitter, blogs, Whatsup, vlogs, instagram etc.

Therefore, as Namibians, we have to learn how to make use of the online media to the benefit of our interests as a nation and for the different levels including our families, businesses, organizations etc. There is no need for me to go write or text bad about my own mom, dad, sister, brother, husband, wife, children etc. The same also applied to my business, political party or government. Yes, I do know that when a person has no access to channels to raise his or her concerns or denied such access or not listened to, he or she is likely to find other channels such as social media to release such frustration or pressure. But again, even if you feel temporary relieve, ones conscious can continue to haunt the user of negative or hate text on a public platform. Being brave and still challenge the system either at home, business, organization, political party or government through the set up channels can earn you great respect in the long run, even if it might be painful at first. It is a learning process, I am also one of those learning to manage myself on this aspect. We have to continue to teach one another on how to improve and be best of social media usage.

 Let's avoid the destruction part of social media usage as continuing to do that can only confirm our weaknesses in terms of being unable to draw the benefit of the social media platforms. As you know, they say, the media can either make or break you, therefore, now that we know this why do we want to use the breaking part and not building one?

 Therefore, if you are grappling to control and manage either a family member, employee, colleague, political party member or national member who uses the social network inappropriately, you are not alone, but we just have to continue to educate one another on how to improve the situation. Namibia cannot afford to lose the top media/press freedom spot because of our own negligence, recklessness or inability to manage oursleves now that we have such opportunities, let's only take the best lessons and avoid the destructive ones the social media offers.

These are my own thoughts as an individual and a media person in my own capacity, aimed mainly at assisting young facebook users to be mindful of challenges these platforms pose as much as the provide great opportunities.

Again, this post is aimed at information sharing, advising one another on this subject and how we as Namibians can be best at using social media. You are therefore welcome to also share your views on this issue - give us your input because we now have a good platform for each to teach one.

What do your think is the best option to implement the Ruling Party's 50-50 or Zebra Style policy? I am asking this question following my observation of mainly complaints and general talk about this policy without offering a solution or strategy for its implementation,

Namibians continue to amaze me. We are so good and complaining, moaning, being clear and loud that this and that will not work - but we offer little or no solution at all to a particular issue we seem to doubt of its function.

The case in point is the topical national talk of the nation of the Ruling Party SWAPO's 50-50 or Zebra Style policy - which demands equal election of candidates to the various political structures including the leadership list of the names of candidates that will be eligible for parliamentary seats next years after this year (Novembers)'s elections.

This post is not meant to go deep into the 50-50 or this zebra style policy - although it is obvious that those who gave it the blessing were wise and visionary as they catered for both sexes on equal basis, which is fair in my view as no part is neglected or advanced more than the other.

My concern is the continuous complaints, and talk without any suggestions on how to implement this policy in the best and democratic way. Why are we just saying the policy is not good or allege that it will only advance women instead of at least coming up with a method that will ensure that no particular sex is favoured?

Even fellow women just talk - instead of them proposing some ideas to find creative ways to see how this policy could work - what is wrong with us Namibians? Do we at times listen to ourselves talking - and analyze what we have just said and whether we offer some solutions or we just talked without adding any value?

We need to change for the better vakuetu, especially young Namibians - as it can only be an advantage if we have young leaders who will not nly complain, but help to solve problems -- problem solving is the way to go... the 50-50 if it is indeed a challenge for some, how do we unpuzzle that -- that is what we must all try and untangle, not to tangle it further ....

So, next time you join the 50-50 discussions, make sure that you are offering a solution to that "perceived problem (not a problem though to me, but an opportunity) and do not just talk - but walk the talk.

Infact the Ruling Party President is on record - saying there is no going back to the 50-50 policy - which means what is needed now is a strategy, method, modality, a manner to implement it without leaning on either men or women but to manage this equally.

My advice is therefore, let's be a nation that offers solutions to problems, and not "cry -babies or moaning people" what are we contributing to finding solutions to our challenges? You hold the key to this door.

My work place is the best ever! Have you ever said that loud and clear to yourself and to others? What is your contribution to making your workplace the best ever?

My work place is the best ever, second to none!

This is the hope of every employee. No employee wants to work at the workplace which is not the best ever. But what makes the workplace the best compared to others? I posed this question informally to one of my friends, and she said, the work environment must be conducive in order for me to feel happy at work. The people I work with my be good (good? in what sense) to me as a colleague - not back biting or gossip me and my supervisors too must be supportive etc. You might be adding that you need tools to enable you too work or you need a "living wage" (as opposed to dead wage??).

This post is however not focusing on the signs of being the best work place or the things that need to stand out in order for a particular work place to stand out. But, it is attempting to invest what an employee's contribution is and must be to making the work place the best ever.

Most of the time, we cry and say, my work place is not good - but who makes it not good, your boss, your colleague, the customers, the suppliers, the shareholders, or who? Where are you in this list? What role to you play to make your work place the best ever? Have you taken a minute just to find out how your actions or none action contributes to your work place being the best place or worse place ever?

I am asking these questions because it takes two to tango - what have you done to change the situation at work? Yes, I do understand that at times things can be difficult, or you give your input but there is not response or your contribution falls on deaf ears. But you have at least tried to do something, but what about those who basically just sit on the fence, and continue to moan to aging their body fabric that my work place is that and that - but they are not giving a suggestion or option to make things better.

What I am trying to bring across here to - the fact that - our actions or inactions result in how things are at the work place and even at home or wherever ... and we have to learn to do something - in an amicable way - we must stop to moan without offering options....

Your situation can only change if you allow it to change for the better... as they say, the worse pain when it comes to change is when you situation remains the same -- and this also applies to your work place - change it - make it the best place ever - speak to your supervisor, boss, colleague and find a way to improve your work place.

Well, again, this is basically just a thought - I am sure we can all find a way to put heads together to make our work places the best.

As for me, I am still convinced that my work place is the best ever - and whenever there are issues, there are most of the time, personal and temporary disagreements - issues of jealously and petty issues that do not even deserve one's attention.... that's but my view... once again, make your work place the best... you have the power to do it, regardless of the position you hold, stop blaming your supervisor, boss or your colleague, double check first if the problem might not lie with you....!

Controlling our tongues can save us so much trouble.

In the media industry, there is a saying that states that NEWS can make or break, but hve you actually thought about how much our tongues can make or break us? The sharpness or bluntness or our tongues reflect our beings and how we react to issues.

Do you actually react immedially once someone provokes you - either verbally or physically? How easy or difficult is it for you to try and hear, see and reflect the other person's action towards you? Do you react right away, and go for an eye for an eye or do you pause and think on your next action?

Do you know that being able to manage your tongue especially during the heat of the moment can mean so much in terms of your credibility, sobberness and maturity? Do you know how much trouble our tongue can save us...?

And with the latest techology, have you thought about managing the tips of our fingers on the key boards - controlling what you are just about to text? Do you know the risk such finger tips ooze each time they touch a key board?

Yes, all this power is in your hand as an individual - you can choose when to react to something with your tongue, how to react to it, when and why you opt to react like that. This is also the same when it comes to controlling what you are texting.

The aim of posting this content is basiclaly to remind you or alert you that - there is more than just reacting without thinking - or at least without proper consideration of what you have to say - you can just be happy and save yourself from so much trouble if you learn to just take a little bit of a break - reflect and think of the next action because acting implusely can always be a very big time bomb...

We have to share ideas and help one another - with the hope that our input could help change one of our friends on this platform...

Just think for a minute in what category you are when it comes to tongue-lashing - tongueling or  tongue trouble. Let's change today and make a difference, noot only in our lives, but also in the lives of those close to us and our friends and loved ones.

Enjoy tongue controlling, learn to love tongue management ! 

Do you manage the social media or does it rule you? Do you manage your phone or does it rule you?

Off late, I have been seeing many of who seemed to be managed by our social media. For instance, two or three people could be having a serious conversation, and once the Whatsup sound is heard, or once the phone rings or flickers, then the person breaks away from the conversion to the mobile phone, PC etc.

In some meetings, workshops and seminars, participants while listening can immediately jump to respond to their phone calls or vibrating indicators from their cell phones. Whether the caller or message sender is critical to attend to, that's another matter.

At times, people's attention is just so clearly and obviously diverted to social media, whether facebook or twitter or linkedin at anytime irrespective what a person was up to. My question is therefore, are we managing our mobile devices or are they managing us.

What is the courtesy of being in a conversation with another person, or while in a meeting and all of a sudden, without even asking to be excused, you just jump to your phone? Yes, may be you could be receiving a message that is very important, but what about the other person, do you think that person is not worth it or does not receive messages?

Or should we as mobile users and consumers of ICT convergence just be ready to take on whatever it comes and be tolerant especially when one is in a meeting and phones just rings - as someone perhaps are yet to know that phones can be on silence or they just want their phones to ring as they might be expecting some calls or basically want to hear their ring tones?

Yes, the internet revolution is amongst us, with great opportunities and challenges, but how to we balance being ICT people to still love our gadgets but at the same time be weary about what they can do to us if we do no manage these carefully.

What has been your experience? 

Let's change Nambia's gender-based violence trends into gender-based love and care.

Namibia has been recording incidents of gender-based violence incidents which led to the State President declaring the 06 March 2014 a prayer day against this evil.

The cases included mainly women murdered by their ex-lovers/parners/spouses or boyfriends. And while a scientific research is yet to confirm what the actual causes of these incidents were, many referred to the root causes as linked to love or intimacy related issues. Arguments, inability to manage anger or solve problems were some of the factors that some concerned people attributed to. Others attributed the root causes to the abuse of drugs and alcohol while others pointed to traditional and social aspects that put male in charge of household management related issues and therefore any female disobeying that could risk the consequences. Young females mainly suffered under this trend - especially those that were reported to have been supported by their partners probably during study time and when they are done - and reportedly finding footing and ground to argue regarding some issues - end up paying high cost in this regard, but again, not of such information was scientifically recorded, but those are some of the perceptions from many who might have been close to the victims.

Some people referred to such killings as passion kiling as it stems from love related matters, but others which disputed the passion killing description saying their is no love in such action as someone who loves another will not murder the partner.

While this post is not focussing on the root causes of the murders of female by their parners, it aims to encourage and advice namibians and any peace loving citizen of the world to help our country turn the gender-based violence to gender-based love and care.

I am pleading to especially young males - to take a lead in this drive - to take a stand and go out there and be counted as champions of gender-based love and care... we have to really make this work - e.g. starting one or two of the brave partners who go out publicaly and vow that they have taken this stand and that they will change the situation.

Young female partners must also do the same as it takes two to tango - the way to go is to learn how to communicate and solve problems facing partners in the relations, and not to murder.... pangas, knifes and guns down - and flower love up -- let's promote love among our relationship and kick out violence in our love circles.

I am relying on you to make this a success, each one reading this post must please advance this motto - and make a difference in our namibian society - kicking out gender-based violence and kicking gender-based love and care.