Twitter and political discourses: how supporters of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF party use Twitter for political engagement

Tshuma, Bhekizulu Bethaphi; Tshuma, Lungile Augustine; Ndlovu, Mphathisi

doi:10.1080/17531055.2022.2076385

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Government departments and ministries, especially the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, mainly use social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp to communicate and clarify some government policy positions and actions (Mugari & Chisuvi, 2021, p. 93). More so, ZANU-PF-affiliated groups of social media trolls and supporters such as Varakashi (destroyers) are also present online (Tshuma et al, 2022). Thus, Zimbabwe already has the capacity to carry out surveillance on its citizens as evidenced by the quick response in arresting critical voices (Mutlokwa, 2020).…”

Section: Embracing Technology As a Vehicle For Peacebuilding In Zimbabwementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Among the reasons why the government fails to address the issues raised by the citizens include a combination of corruption, inept leadership, lack of funding and authoritarianism driven by the militarisation of politics (Ndawana, 2020). Both government and party officials, as well as groups, are preoccupied with using online spaces to defend the ruling party's programmes and interests at any cost (Tshuma et al, 2022). The government needs to put to good use its access to new technologies sourced from Chinese companies such as CloudWalk Technology to enable and strengthen its surveillance of citizens (Feldstein, 2019, pp.…”

Section: Embracing Technology As a Vehicle For Peacebuilding In Zimbabwementioning

confidence: 99%

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The Potential Role of Social Media in Peacebuilding in Zimbabwe

Ndawana

2023

Journal of Peacebuilding & Development

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This article uses securitisation theory to examine the Zimbabwean government's handling of protests and protesters’ use of social media. It is based on the case study of Harare and data gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The article argues that securitisation of the right to protest in Zimbabwe forecloses opportunities for engagement, which negatively affects peace and development. It asserts that social media platforms’ capacity to mobilise discontented citizens for protests can be used by Zimbabwean policy makers to engage the citizens and enhance the formulation and development of pro-peace and development policy initiatives. The article concludes that embracing relevant digital technologies, particularly social media platforms, can offer broader policy engagement opportunities and thereby minimise protests by disgruntled citizens.

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Section: Embracing Technology As a Vehicle For Peacebuilding In Zimbabwementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Embracing Technology As a Vehicle For Peacebuilding In Zimbabwementioning

confidence: 99%

The Potential Role of Social Media in Peacebuilding in Zimbabwe

Ndawana

2023

Journal of Peacebuilding & Development

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The Semiotics of Political Schisms and Prospects of Nation-Rebuilding: “Varakashi 4ED” and the “Nerrorists”

Mavengano

Moyo

2023

Electoral Politics in Zimbabwe, Volume I

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Politics at Play: TikTok and Digital Persuasion in Zimbabwe's 2023 General Elections

Ureke

2024

Africa Spectrum

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Zimbabwe's August 2023 elections were held against the backdrop of outcry over the outcomes of previous elections, which opposition political parties accusedthe ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party of rigging. Access to the public media is among the issues of contestation. Opposition political parties claim that they are not given equal space for campaigning purposes. Social networking sites such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have recently provided spaces for political communication, where all parties have unfettered access to the electorate. Recently, TikTok has emerged as a popular social networking site, rivaling established applications in terms of its uptake, particularly among youths. Research on the social media application suggests that it is largely used for trivial purposes and does not contribute to critical dialogue. However, lately there is evidence that TikTok is being used for “serious” purposes, including activism. The study sought to find out how political actors in Zimbabwe used the TikTok platform for political communication in the run-up to the 2023 elections. The paper also examines the nature of digital persuasion on TikTok and how this enriches or trivialises political discourse. Findings show that TikTok was used to urge Zimbabwean youths to register to vote as well as to provide visual evidence of the good and the bad associated with particular political parties, as they competed for voters. It was used as a politainment tool, combining political messaging with the entertainment affordances of TikTok.

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Twitter and political discourses: how supporters of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF party use Twitter for political engagement

Cited by 4 publications

References 25 publications

The Potential Role of Social Media in Peacebuilding in Zimbabwe

The Potential Role of Social Media in Peacebuilding in Zimbabwe

The Semiotics of Political Schisms and Prospects of Nation-Rebuilding: “Varakashi 4ED” and the “Nerrorists”

Politics at Play: TikTok and Digital Persuasion in Zimbabwe's 2023 General Elections

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