With the general election looming, rural Zimbabweans are taking it upon themselves to spread the news that the state-run media doesn’t.
Amid widespread claims of voter and intimidation by the ruling party, Zanu-PF, rural communities are sharing election information and news content in WhatsApp groups.
These groups share content and campaign information from opposition parties, allowing citizens to participate in the campaigns without being exposed.
At the forefront are a group of gogos.
Citizens like Elizabeth Mutandwa and her group of grandmothers are hoping that their WhatsApp posts can help overcome bias and intimidation, fostering change in the country’s political landscape.
“Everyone around here knows we are opposition activists, but some people are too afraid to openly associate with us,” said Mutandwa.
“But it’s not a problem anymore. We talk to them through WhatsApp and they can participate in the campaign from the safety of their homes.”
Zanu-PF, the party of Robert Mugabe which has been in power since 1980, has been accused of restricting opposition activities and using biased media coverage to its advantage.
Although the government dominates traditional media outlets, WhatsApp and other messaging apps have become powerful tools for sharing messages and mobilising supporters in rural areas where there is internet access.
Despite facing challenges from the ruling party’s media dominance, these rural activists are finding ways to use technology to spread their messages and engage with citizens.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Elizabeth Mutandwa and her Gogo friends
Image source: Twitter
