Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. AT a time many people are resorting to nudity, vulgar language and sex tapes for views, likes, shares and trending, there is quite a number that has taken to social media and trend for a good cause.
It’s either they are giving data-driven information on their platforms or fundraising for the disadvantaged of our society.
Topping the list is Misheck Ruwende, a medical doctor who is trending on Facebook as he has been giving short lessons before dismissing his class for another session.
He gives scientifically proven information and data properly written on his wall than the notes he writes on patients’ cards.
Most medical doctors’ handwriting are a cousin of hieroglyphics,which need those in the same profession to interpret.
His followers were in unison,saying they had embraced his teachings though they find some of the stuff conflicting age-old village wisdom that the elders taught.
They seemed to have found his content sharply contrasting indigenous knowledge systems.
NewsDay Weekender this week managed to track other most followed pages on Facebook to see trending issues.
Another top trending person, Rumbidzai Nyazungu, an accountant by profession, defied odds and chose to postabout vehicles.
With other women majoring in online dating pages and wriggling their waists, or twerking, Rumbi has won many hearts due to the content she shares with a very appreciative audience.
Speaking to NewsDay Weekender, Rumbi narrated how it all came about.
“’I am involved in the transport business, and during routine servicing of our vehicles, I noticed a clear gap between service providers and consumers,” she said.
“There was a lot of misunderstanding, limited transparency, and many people didn’t fully understand their cars or the work being done on them.
“One day, I casually posted something about the Nissan Juke, and it unexpectedly trended. From there, I started writing more about cars, sometimes mixing it with social issues.
“A friend who is now my manager encouraged me to drop the personal and social content and focus strictly on automotive topics, and that’s when the page really took off and began to grow steadily.”
For someone who is not even a mechanic, how then does she dare venture into an area where professionals can shred her posts?
“I am not a mechanic. I am a car enthusiast who has spent years learning through experience, conversations with professionals, and exposure within the industry.I am a full time accountant by training and employment.
“The engagement means a lot. I learn every day from the conversations that come from the posts, and I’ve built strong relationships across the automotive industry because of them.
“The interaction shows me that people are eager for honest, simplified, practical information about cars and I’m glad to contribute to that space.”
Speaking to this publication, Ethi Mwanangu, who uses the name Ethias on his social media handles, has managed to trend by bringing satire to the people through memes.
He even did the unthinkable by doing memes on Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi through the “magunanzi” punchline.
Baloyi did not shut him out as many people had anticipated,who thought Ethias had ventured into uncharted waters.
Instead, she has warmed up to Ethias’ memes as she understands that it’s banter and her husband Shefu Bae (VP Chiwenga) has never said anything about it.
In an interview, Ethias said he wanted to put laughter on people’s faces, hence the page has humour.
“Thank you for reaching out and for braving the wild streets of my Facebook page. To be honest, the memes started the same way most revolutions do accidentally,” he said.
“I grew up in places where humour is a survival skill, not a hobby. When society becomes a pressure cooker, satire becomes the last remaining oxygen.
“So I started making memes as a way of saying what everyone whispers at kombi ranks, only louder, sharper, but still wrapped in laughter so people don’t choke on the truth.
“Also, I realised Zimbabweans will forgive anything except boredom. Memes were my way of mixing truth with chilli sauce.”
Asked if he was not afraid to touch a raw nerve on people like the VP’s wife, Ethias said he wanted to try something unusual.
“Fear?Of course. I’m human. I have learnt in life that Kuvhima mbada kunopedza nzara. Ukaiuraya nzara yapera, iyo ikakuuraya nzara yapera futi (Hunting a leopard ends hunger. If you kill it, hunger has ended, and if it kills you, hunger has ended again).”
But fear respects confidence and humour is confidence wearing sneakers.
“I’ve always believed that once public figures step into the arena of power, they step into the arena of public commentary. And if someone as high-profile as the VP’s wife can actually warm up to the memes, then maybe we are finally learning that laughter doesn’t kill careers. Bad decisions do.
“With humour, I have become Mama Chiwenga’s first born son. I respect and admire her together with her husband. On noticing the impact that she might have in uniting our fragmented communities, I took it upon myself to show the country what I saw in the VP’s wife.
“Her being middle aged, she understands both the old and the younger generations better. She is well learned and educated, speaks multiple languages and she is a soldier. Masoja anotyisa, but on seeing her warm up to my memes, I can proudly say I have influenced a lot of people to see and appreciate our leaders differently than before.
“Besides, satire is the safest way to say the things everyone thinks, but nobody wants to sign their name under.”
Another voice that had mixed reactions is that of Tawona Shadaya, whose content has found many takers among men while women call him toxic.
“When Mutumwa speaks, we listen. We are Shadaya lites, we wait for every sermon eagerly,” said a fan of Shadaya identified as Mukomana WekuBikita.
“What he says is very true. He says what many men are afraid to, only that he has the courage and has developed thick skin.
“Women who think he is toxic must read his messages without emotions.
“He is just telling them to respect and stand for themselves not to be used and then cry foul when the good times end.”
The Chartered Vendor is another person whose page is getting likes and comments from readers.
He has been giving tips to entrepreneurs and graduates on how to run business.
“Not everyone is fascinated by content creators whose work borders on vulgar. Some of us value our traditions and morals so we stay away from some of these people,” a fan said.
“But from those you mentioned, I have been following with keen interest and can also add my views on some of the topics by Rumbi and Dr Ruwende.”
It seems the professionals are coming out of their shells to provide valuable information and insights, especially on Facebook, which had seen a surge in vulgar content.
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