A prominent social scientist, scholar, and public intellectual, Ndumba J Kamwanyah, has taken to social media to encourage Namibians and Africans to use online platforms more intentionally to drive progress and development on the continent.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Kamwanyah expressed concern that social media platforms are often used for self-promotion and superficial purposes, rather than for meaningful engagement and community upliftment.
He argued that by leveraging social media in a more purposeful way, Namibians and Africans can spark creativity, promote innovation, and build each other up.
Kamwanyah, who is known for his thought-provoking commentary on social and economic issues affecting Namibia and Africa, emphasized the need for the continent to develop its own homegrown platforms and solutions, rather than simply relying on external innovations.
“Is it just me or can we as Namibians, and Africa in general, start using social media more intentionally in order to build ourselves rather than ‘me this and that’?” he posted.
“We need to use social media to drive development, spark creativity, promote innovation, and uplift our communities. Let’s turn our social media platforms into tools for progress, including developing homegrown platforms. We cannot just rely on innovation from other civilizations.”
The scholar’s statement has resonated with many online, who see the value in using social media to promote African solutions to African problems. His call to action has sparked a renewed conversation about the role of social media in shaping the continent’s future and the need for Africans to take charge of their own development narrative.
As Ndumba J Kamwanyah’s message continues to generate buzz online, it remains to be seen how his followers and the wider public will respond to his challenge.
One thing is certain, however: his statement has ignited a crucial discussion about the potential for social media to be a force for good in Africa, and the need for Africans to harness this power to drive positive change.
