SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND UP
With COVID-19 continuing to kill thousands around the world, the virus remains at the centre of most social media conversations and topics. And as self-isolation continues to be encouraged globally, the online world is experiencing a massive surge in traffic, with trending topics including a foul-mouthed jailbird, dancing royalty and of course the deadly pandemic.
NONO THE RUDE CRIMINAL
The past week saw an interesting video of a woman, Ndombi Nono Selaolo, in handcuffs leaving court. Nono left hurling a slew of insults upon seeing the media and cameras aimed at her. While it is not uncommon to have criminals insult the media, the public was privy to it through the power of social media live streaming.
“Where does she find the liver (audacity) to say such things? Why don’t the police reprimand her?” questioned one person on Facebook. One gentleman admitted he wasn’t even aware of some of the language used and wondered where she learned it from.
Batswana were shocked and entertained by the colourful outburst.
KGOSI TAWANA: THE DANCING KING
In one of the stranger video clips to emerge last week, we find Kgosi Tawana Moremi II dancing his heart out as he sheds the worries of the COVID-19 crisis away. Social media was a combination of confusion and amusement. The general response to the video was, ‘this is funny but what on earth is he doing!’
“Well, it is good to see a different side of Tawana,” read one comment, while another praised, “Such an elegant dancer. Look at the way he puts his fingers in his ears.”
It was a strange one for social media revellers.
MASISI’S NAMIBIAN TRIP
The coronavirus has surrounded Botswana with all our neighbours recording confirmed cases.
This led to President Mokgweetsi Masisi deciding to shut down international travel with a number of countries and encouraging everyone to stay at home and away from large gatherings.
However, days later, President Masisi ignored his own advice, travelling for a presidential inauguration ceremony in Namibia - a large gathering at a coronavirus-affected country! Batswana on social media were deeply disturbed by Masisi’s decision to travel.
“What level of hypocrisy is this?” demanded one furious Facebook user while another blasted, “This is poor from the president. At a time like this he must lead by example.”
Shortly after His Excellency’s return, a statement was released stating President Masisi would be in self-isolation for 14 days.
BATSWANA IGNORE COVID-19 ADVICE
Despite the strong recommendation for everyone around the world to practise social distancing, the memo does not seem to have got through to many Batswana.
Although the country is one of the few yet to record a confirmed case of COVID-19, the public is advised to stay home as a preventative precaution.
However, on Sunday, police were busy dispersing gatherings at bars, churches and even Sunday soccer across Gaborone in compliance with the new rules.
“What don’t Batswana understand about staying home?” asked one annoyed Twitter user, to which another user replied, “We will only listen when it starts affecting us personally. By then it will to late.”
In these trying times, it is best to prevent the virus rather than try and cure it. Stay safe out there, people!
SLUMBER’S SPEECH
A special announcement was to be made on Btv regarding COVID-19 updates. Unfortunately, Batswana were forced to wait hours for any updates from Vice President Slumber Tsogwane. “Btv was probably just checking if we are watching, they need the attention,” read one comment.
However, when the time finally arrived and Vice President Tsogwane stuttered out his address on Tuesday morning, social media had a field day as they poked fun at his mispronunciations and nervous misreading.
“Our President is in quarantine and our Vice President can’t read his own language, God help us,” cried one Twitter troll. Another added, “There is slumber at BTV is woeful,” with a cheeky strike at both Btv and Tsogwane.