Breaking Tweets » South Africa

Protests erupt in South Africa

K Mensah — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:50:10 +0000

Per Reuters, Protesters hurled stones at police, who responded with teargas and rubber bullets, after thousands marched through South Africa’s Thokoza township on Wednesday over poor services and unemployment. The violent protests piled pressure on President Jacob Zuma to deliver on government promises of help for the poor three months after elections.

However, this situation has received insignificant attention on Twitter. Instead, the majority of Twitterers in and around South Africa busily tweeting about their lifestyle and vacation:

W_H_Swagspeare Violence in South Africa’s towns has spread as residents protest about what they say is a lack of basic services, such as water and housing. 22 Jul 2009 from web

gamemasterng On my way to South Africa!!! http://myloc.me/cHZg 22 Jul 2009 from UberTwitter

davethegr8 Just secured a safe house in Johannesburg, South Africa. #spymaster http://bit.ly/playspy 22 Jul 2009 from Spymaster

megareed looking forward to going to south africa! 22 Jul 2009 from mobile web

mikegechter_rss Violent protests of a lack of basic services in South Africa: Riots are breaking out in South Africa as proteste.. http://bit.ly/10qIeo 22 Jul 2009 from twitterfeed

sparkiepark @thepitts When are you coming to sunny South Africa again? 22 Jul 2009 from web in reply to thepitts

roblith SAT3 doubles capacity to South Africa 22 Jul 2009 from TweetDeck

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South Africa ‘catches’ swine flu, first case confirmed

K Mensah — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:22:58 +0000

Per BBC: South Africa’s first swine flu case – a 12-year-old boy who flew in from the U.S. – has been confirmed. The boy was admitted to a private hospital on Monday morning and discharged after treatment, said health ministry spokesman Fidel Hadebe.
Laboratory tests came back positive on Thursday for the H1N1 virus.

Twitterers in South Africa were mostly concerned by the news:

BuzzBWS (Johannesburg, South Africa) *Sigh* swine flu has landed in South Africa 19 Jun 2009 from mobile web

karlea (Cape Town, South Africa) and now swine flu is in South Africa… http://tiny.cc/YSQ9O 19 Jun 2009 from web

julesZA (Johannesburg, South Africa) I don’t believe the SA government it taking the Swine Flu incident seriously enough. And now the doctors strike. Good timing. 19 Jun 2009 from web

GrantNash (Johannesburg, South Africa) Am I the only person worried about the little child with Swine Flu ?. Peeps have died for this you know. Im putting my mask back on…. 19 Jun 2009 from web

anib (Cape Town, South Africa) @BreakingTweets I’m not concerned about H1N1. It was one American kid. We’re not that paranoid. We’ll be fine. 19 Jun 2009 from web in reply to BreakingTweets

SAWDIS (Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa) South Africa’s first case of the H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, was confirmed on 18 June 2009. http://bit.ly/14DkCw 19 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck

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Africa banks hope on World Economic Forum

K Mensah — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:30:26 +0000

Per AfricaNews: African leaders have been urged to transform the current global economic crisis into an opportunity to develop, the chair of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said. He said African leaders should bargain for shared responsibility with their international partners at the ongoing World Economic Forum in South Africa.

Would Africa see any meaningful outcome after the flamboyant forum or would it remain as is? Twitterers share their views:

napakade (Undisclosed) World economic forum ….is just talk show ? 11 Jun 2009 from web

iselorm (Unknown) on the first day of the world economic forum, i hope that some better ideas will start flowing… China obviously wants in on more action… 12 hours, 8 minutes ago from TweetDeck

CapeTown (Cape Town, South Africa)Question: Who are at the World Economic Forum in Cape Town? Impressions for Bush Radio interview later today? 4 hours, 36 minutes ago from web

katefrancis13 (Johannesburg, South Africa)Listening to the live stream of the World Economic Forum on Africa: http://tr.im/ForumLive 2 hours, 43 minutes ago from web

DraycottMC (G1: Torrington St, Grimsby) Groundbreaking report on educating the new wave of entrepreneneurs from the World Economic Forum? Visit http://twurl.nl/o6wobn 2 hours, 24 minutes ago from TwitterFox

allvoices (San Francisco, California)Alms for Africa!: With great interest last night I watched the news commentary on the World Economic Forum. Why .. http://tinyurl.com/mnz6tw 1 hour, 33 minutes ago from twitterfeed

vaiper66 (Unknown)at the world economic forum on africa in Cape town. gr8 turnout. Presidents Zuma, kagame, banda, Odinga here along with kofi annan 40 minutes ago from web

mandyjwatson (Cape Town, South Africa) I think I can safely say that I’m the only person at the World Economic Forum playing My Brute. 23 minutes ago from web

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Featured TwitPic: Plane and car collision in Johannesburg, South Africa

Craig Kanalley — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:28:27 +0000

@Craigrodney posted a series of TwitPics and tweets after a plane crashed into a car in Krugersdorp, just outside of Johannesburg, on Sunday. The incident has gained him some amount of fame, including being interviewed by a local radio station and featured in the local newspaper The Times.

Here’s one of his TwitPics, with the caption: “A plane just crashed into our car on a road in Krugersdorp!”

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Zuma promises 4 million jobs by 2014

Craig Kanalley — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:28:41 +0000

Per Bloomberg, South Africa President Jacob Zuma pledged to create four million jobs by 2014, including 500,000 by the end of this year, in his state of the nation address Wednesday. He said that the government would boost public spending to make it happen and combat South Africa’s first recession in 17 years.

His bold statements caught the attention of South African Twitterers, though some were skeptical.

Radio702 (Johannesburg, South Africa) #Zuma: We make a commitment that working together we will speed up economic growth and transform the economy & create decent jobs. 03 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck

hartleyr (Johannesburg, South Africa) zuma – 500k jobs to be created, but little detail 03 Jun 2009 from mobile web

vuyolutseke (Johannesburg, South Africa) 4million jobs by 2014. HOW? 03 Jun 2009 from web

roballen101 (Johannesburg, South Africa) Jacob Zuma – “Between now and December 2009, we plan to create about 500,000 job opportunities” – going to be tricky in a big recession 03 Jun 2009 from web

NickVDL (Johannesburg, South Africa) Zille says Zuma;s State of the Nation was ‘warm and fuzzy’ [Plus Full Statement .PDF] http://bit.ly/kNYgn 03 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck

AQUILOGY (Johannesburg, South Africa) #Zuma’s #stateofthenation speech dissected http://tinyurl.com/r4kg45 Not agreeing 100% with it but it makes you go hmmm 03 Jun 2009 from web

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South Africa’s new cabinet hailed

K Mensah — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Per AfricaNews: South Africans have generally welcomed new president Jacob Zuma’s cabinet. Veteran cabinet minister Trevor Manuel moved from his former finance ministry to the newly formed National planning portfolio. The changes have raised relative fear as to how the rich Africa nation’s economy would fair without Manuel directly at helm of affairs.

Per BBC: The entire cabinet is expected to be sworn into office later on Monday. The cabinet meets within the next week to map out its plan of action. Zuma hopes to deliver on his promises as expectations are high.

Twitterers in Johannesburg share their thoughts about the new cabinet:

SmithInAfrica Zuma’s cabinet: Trevor Manuel leaves finance. Barbara Hogan moved from health despite praise from Aids campaigners. No place for Winnie. 10 May 2009 from web

Anish_Sana Zuma’s new cabinet doesn’t look too bad at all. let’s hope they focus on what’s the real priority of the country 10 May 2009 from web

Mongezi RT @shapshak Zuma names new Cabinet. What does Siphiwe Nyanda know about telcoms? http://tinyurl.com/reazsv 10 May 2009 from mobile web

simondingle Impressed with Mr. Zuma’s new cabinet choices for the most part. I really hope this works out for South Africa. What changes would you make? 10 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

danielborn Not too many complaints about Zuma’s new cabinet http://tinyurl.com/timesnewcabinet , but what has become of Mashatile and Winnie? 11 May 2009 from web

Tshegs is digesting President Jacob Zuma’s new cabinet. It looks rather promising. I really hope they don’t disappoint! 11 May 2009 from web

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Jacob Zuma sworn in as South African President

Cicely Teal — Sun, 10 May 2009 08:30:00 +0000

Jacob Zuma was inaugurated as President of South Africa on May 9, 2009, according to reports from allAfrica.com.

“Crowds erupted in celebration on the southern lawns of the Union Buildings as newly-inaugurated President Jacob Zuma took the podium to address the crowd” according to allAfrica.

Zuma’s presidential run has been shrouded in much controversy. Per the LA Times, “Zuma had to overcome rape charges (he was acquitted) and corruption charges (dropped by prosecutors last month on a technicality) to make his date with destiny.”

Twitterers weighed in on the newly elected president.

BergenLarsen (Randburg, South Africa) Is it bad that I couldn’t care less about the #inauguration of #Zuma ? He’s a turd & should have been tried based on all evidence.

carelj (Cape Town, South Africa) is praying for president #Zuma the Puma. May he exceed all our greatest expectations.

wildwasser (Koblenz, Germany) Since Mandela South Africa dropped so low, its sad, now with scum bags like #Zuma S.A. will just be another african fiasco.

EricEdmeades (Turks and Caicos Islands) Is it possible that in South Africa the swines are strolling? #Zuma

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jaysensharpe (Wellington, Somerset) just watched the video of jocob zuma getting sworn in as my president please please can the DA win in 4yrs

AndreaAmory (Undisclosed) From Mandela to Mbeki to Zuma. I continue to pray for South Africa….

JJINGHAM (Los Angeles) Zuma is not exactly a pillar of stability but we shall see what he is like now.

Nelson Mandela was also in attendance. Pictures of the inauguartion can be seen at BBC.

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South Africa celebrates Freedom Day

K Mensah — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Per Voice of America, South Africans all over the world celebrate the 15th anniversary of the end of apartheid, as well as the conclusion of successful national elections.

Thousands of South Africans packed at sports stadium in Durban to celebrate Freedom Day, the day 15 years ago when they gave the African National Congress a sweeping victory in the country’s first post-apartheid elections.

Citizens of South Africa and friends all over the world are twittering about the day:

Razerkoul (Johannesburg, South Africa) It’s freedom day in South Africa and I’m not free coz I’m bored outta my skull 27 Apr 2009 from web

Uyaphi (Cape Town, South Africa) Working on Freedom Day Here in South Africa – LOL or OUCH !!!!! 27 Apr 2009 from web

towerofgrace (Pretoria, South Africa) Happy Freedom day to all in South Africa. 15yrs ago on this day we got freedom. Enjoy the day and remeber that true freedom comes from k … 27 Apr 2009 from web

jacovanonselen (Undisclosed) Had a great long weekend! Today is freedom day in South Africa! 27 Apr 2009 from web

pauldtheripy (Atlanta, Ga.) This day in history:1994 South Africa began its 1st multiracial elections, which continued over three days. Today is known as ‘Freedom Day’. 27 Apr 2009 from web

RuthBev (Lincoln, U.K.) 2day is Freedom day in South Africa but are they really free when many still don’t have access to basic resources? Another world is possible 27 Apr 2009 from web

Pietersen (Undisclosed) By the way it’s freedom day in South Africa. Public holiday! 27 Apr 2009 from TwitterBerry

NicoleMeno (Chicago, Ill.) Today is freedom day in South Africa =] 27 Apr 2009 from txt

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Jacob Zuma elected president of South Africa

Cicely Teal — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Per Telegraph.co.uk,, Jacob Zuma, leader of the African National Congress (ANC) is in fact the next president of South Africa. According to the Telegraph, “Zuma delighted thousands of revellers gathered outside the party’s headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg by dancing and singing with an energy that belied his 67 years.”

Twitterers are expressing their thoughts on Zuma’s latest victory.

LouiseStoch (Cape Town, South Africa) Ok….i guess we all have to face the fact… Jacob Zuma… is the new president…awesome. at least the western cape gets DA

8mischa8 (Cape Town, South Africa) Its a long weeeekend!!!!! Thank the heavens for public holidays! But thank hell for Jacob Zuma!

jenstjarnstrom (Undisclosed) Jacob Zuma (educate yourself) have been married at least 4 times, and has 18 kids w/ 7 different women. WOW.

paulfreathy (South Africa) According to BBC British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called Jacob Zuma to congratulate him. Oh dear!

CTerry1985 (Weymouth, England) Zuma Fact 1: Jacob Zuma was once on trial for rape. He was acquitted.

aschley84 (Boston, Mass.) Disturbed but not surprised by the fact that Jacob Zuma is now President of South Africa. Are other people following the RSA election?

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South Africa votes in general election

Craig Kanalley — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:16:00 +0000

Per BBC, South Africans have begun casting ballots in what is expected to the be the “most competitive general election since the end of the apartheid in 1994.” The results will determine how much ruling power the ANC will have with Jacob Zuma at the top of the ticket and an attempt to retain a majority of seats in parliament, according to the article.

Those following the South Africa election on Twitter are using #saelections in their tweets. The hashtag trended all the way up to No. 2 on Twitter.

Twitterers in Johannesburg are reporting long lines at polling places.

ExMi (Johannesburg, South Africa) I think next elections should do drive-thru voting. #saelections 22 Apr 2009 from mobile web

Lioneldp (Johannesburg, South Africa) The meze queue is very popular at the Saheti station #saelections http://twitpic.com/3rdo5 22 Apr 2009 from TwitterFon

RubyGold (Johannesburg, South Africa) Been here an hour nother to go q has slowed rather #saelections 22 Apr 2009 from TwitterFon

theclam (Johannesburg, South Africa) South Africans are an enterprising lot. Coffee muffins etc for sale in the lines… I can smell some boerie cooking.. #saelections 22 Apr 2009 from mobile web

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mdegale (Johannesburg, South Africa) voting at houghton school. lots of cars, fairly long queue #saelections #fb 22 Apr 2009 from txt

hellioncat (Johannesburg, South Africa) @magependragon ah yeah, we got there 7:30, got out at 10:20, voting station was primrose, germiston. #saelections 22 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck in reply to magependragon

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