Write Minds

Write Minds Write Minds was conceptualised and born when we identified a need in the market for digital news site
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Write Minds was conceptualised and born when we identified a need in the market for digital news sites with high-quality content on a variety of subjects. Our highly skilled team, which has extensive experience in journalism, public relations, marketing and finance, will regularly bring you the latest news and share with you authoritative business leaders’ ideas and opinions. If you want to advert

ise or have something that you feel the world out there should take note of or can benefit from, you are welcome to submit contributions to:
[email protected]

Advanced endpoint security strategies for modern organisationsDavid Herselman, Managing Director at inq. South AfricaSec...
25/07/2024

Advanced endpoint security strategies for modern organisations

David Herselman, Managing Director at inq. South Africa

Security technologies have come a long way from the anti-virus and firewall solutions of the past. As data grows exponentially, traditional security measures are no longer effective. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in improving cyber defences. Companies across industry sectors must adapt to ensure their data and infrastructure remain secure through more innovative endpoint security strategies.

AI enables more sophisticated and responsive protective measures. Traditional security approaches, such as signature-based detection in anti-virus applications, have evolved into behaviour-based solutions thanks to AI. This shift is evident in Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems, which now leverage AI to identify and mitigate threats based on behavioural patterns rather than relying solely on known signatures.

However, EDR systems, while effective on endpoints where they are deployed, fall short in environments with network devices like CCTV cameras, printers, or serverless cloud services. This is where Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions come into play. XDR combines analytics from endpoints with data from cloud services, providing a holistic view of potential threats. By integrating and collecting telemetry from diverse sources, XDR solutions, powered by AI, offer early detection and swift responses to security incidents.

Read more https://www.writeminds.news/advanced-endpoint-security-strategies-for-modern-organisations

Transforming Agriculture in AfricaDeveloping Young Agripreneurs at Enterprising Africa Regional Network (Pty) Ltd (EARN)...
24/07/2024

Transforming Agriculture in Africa

Developing Young Agripreneurs at Enterprising Africa Regional Network (Pty) Ltd (EARN)

Introducing African Greeneurs (Pty) Ltd (AG)

EARN’s subsidiary, African Greeneurs (Pty) Ltd (AG), is dedicated to fostering agripreneurship across Africa. Our mission is to empower individuals to start and grow agri-businesses, enhancing food security, and creating job opportunities. Our extensive Agripreneur development programmes provide students with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the agricultural sector.

Read more; https://www.writeminds.news/transforming-agriculture-in-africa/

Your personal statement can be the gateway to career successShani van Eck, Business Administrator at EQPlusOn a CV, a pe...
23/07/2024

Your personal statement can be the gateway to career success

Shani van Eck, Business Administrator at EQPlus

On a CV, a person’s personal statement or objective is one of the first things any recruiter will notice. First impressions count and mastering this introductory section is critical to capitalise on any potential job opportunities.

In this article, I provide a few tips that will help you develop that perfect personal statement:

1. A powerful introduction

Recruiters have to sift through countless CVs daily. One of the ways to stand out is the personal statement. This lets the recruiter know what makes you different to all the other applicants. With this, you can make a memorable first impression to stand out from the crowd and pique the recruiter’s interest to want to read more about you.

2. What makes you unique

Think about your professional journey to date. What are the things that set you apart from the competition? Consider your strengths, your passions, and your aspirations. Your personal statement needs to capture all these things. Consider it your unique value proposition – it is essentially a summary of who you are as a person and what you can offer the company.

3. Concise and clear

A personal statement needs to be concise. Recruiters do not have time to read pages of text. Instead, focus on writing one or two paragraphs that are impactful and capture your professional identity. Of course, cliches and buzzwords must be avoided at all costs. Rather use authentic language that reflects your personality.

4. A customised approach

No job requirement is the same. So, why must your personal statement be the same for every opening you apply for? Tailor your introduction to each job application. Bring it in line with the specific role and company you are applying to. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the position and your enthusiasm for joining the team.

5. Get feedback, iterate, repeat

When you have written your first draft, get feedback from your trusted peers, mentors, or industry professionals. Their insights can help you refine your message. The focus must be on clarity, impact, and being able to resonate with your target audience. Iterate, refine, and repeat until your introduction has that authenticity and relevance that will differentiate you.

A compelling personal statement is about more than just the words on the page. Think of it as capturing hearts and minds. It is about creating a connection with the recruiter to open the door for further conversations. Be creative and let your personal statement capture your identity.

Casual Day: a powerful platform bringing disability matters into the mainstream of public debate and consciousnessLuba M...
22/07/2024

Casual Day: a powerful platform bringing disability matters into the mainstream of public debate and consciousness

Luba Mbeki: AHS director and Casual Day ambassador: “Creating a nation of advocates for disability rights’

Casual Day is now, like our democracy, in its 30th year. This year Casual Day aims to break all its own records and raise R30 million for organisations whose work ensures optimal inclusion of persons with disabilities into the mainstream of the national economy.

Read more; https://www.writeminds.news/casual-day-a-powerful-platform-bringing-disability-matters-into-the-mainstream-of-public-debate-and-consciousness/

COASTAL ZOOM TOWNS LEADING BUSINESS GROWTH Over the past two decades South Africa’s coastal towns have experienced massi...
18/07/2024

COASTAL ZOOM TOWNS LEADING BUSINESS GROWTH

Over the past two decades South Africa’s coastal towns have experienced massive development and growth, with over 33% of our population now residing within a 10km radius of our 3000 km shoreline.

Where traditionally it would have been an older demographic moving to the seaside to retire, increasingly it is young families that are packing their bags to relocate to the coast. With the Western Cape being a prime example as almost a quarter of permanent residents in Hermanus are now under 35. In Langebaan, it is about 33% and over 40% in the Blouberg area.

This semigration is fast overtaking the beach holiday home or weekend getaway market, with out of towners looking to settle, now making up nearly 70% of home buying in hidden gems like Mossel Bay and Port Alfred.

With this migration, comes an automatic boost to the micro economies of the areas. KZN, has experienced the largest recorded growth with this in the commercial and retail sector recently, as the Ballito and Umhlanga corridor is the fastest growing wealth market in South Africa, rising by 25% in the last ten years.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/coastal-towns-are-now-zoom-towns/

How ESG in construction can transform SA’s building sectorMorag Evans, CEO of DatabuildThe growing importance of Environ...
04/07/2024

How ESG in construction can transform SA’s building sector

Morag Evans, CEO of Databuild

The growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is having a significant impact on how building projects are planned, executed, and managed in South Africa. If anything, it is reshaping the construction landscape when it comes to promoting sustainable development and improving social outcomes.

Companies should think of ESG as the three main areas that they are expected to report in. According to Deloitte, the goal of ESG is to capture all the non-financial risks and opportunities inherent to a company's day to day activities.

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards construction companies using green building materials. These sustainable materials reduce the environmental footprint of construction projects. An example of such a project can be found in the Sandbag Houses in Cape Town. These homes substitute brick-and-mortar with sandbags to contribute to eco-friendly construction and affordable housing in the region.

Read more; https://www.writeminds.news/how-esg-in-construction-can-transform-sas-building-sector/

BooYaa Golf ambassador celebrates breakthrough victoryBernhard Köster wins Harry Oppenheimer Trophy tournamentBooYaa Gol...
01/07/2024

BooYaa Golf ambassador celebrates breakthrough victory

Bernhard Köster wins Harry Oppenheimer Trophy tournament

BooYaa Golf, an exhilarating golf brand capturing the game’s greatest moments, has announced that its 19-year-old brand ambassador Bernhard Köster has won the Harry Oppenheimer Trophy Tournament held at the Maccauvlei Golf Club in Vereeniging.

He secured the win in a three-way play-off and walked away with one of the most prestigious amateur titles in South African golf.

Köster recently completed his grade 12 online at International Schooling, an American online school with more than 14,000 students in over 135 countries, which he attended since grade 10. He started playing golf at the age of two, received professional training since the age of 4, and currently has a handicap of +5. Köster has received an international academic scholarship from the University of Alabama, a D1 golf university. He will commence his studies there in August in Financial Management and play for the university’s golf team.

Read more; https://www.writeminds.news/booyaa-golf-ambassador-celebrates-breakthrough-victory/

Loyalty programmes: The move to digital engagement Len Lubbe CEO at LoyaltyPlus Loyalty programmes have been a mainstay ...
25/06/2024

Loyalty programmes: The move to digital engagement

Len Lubbe CEO at LoyaltyPlus

Loyalty programmes have been a mainstay of customer retention strategies for hundreds of years. Yes, you read that correctly. The first recorded customer loyalty programme dates back to 1793 when an American merchant handed out copper coins to repeat customers. A far cry from the digital engagement of today where technology has transformed loyalty.

In the 1930s, companies like S&H Green Stamps introduced trading stamps. Customers would collect these based on their purchases and redeem them for different items. It was so popular, that the trading stamp model became part and parcel of customer loyalty for several decades.

This gave way to what many consider the start of the modern era of loyalty programmes in the early 80s with the launch of frequent flyer programmes. It was American Airlines who first introduced this in 1981, offering miles for flights that could be redeemed for future travel. This revolutionised customer loyalty and saw several other industries following suit and providing similar initiatives for their customers.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/loyalty-programmes-the-move-to-digital-engagement/

MMS Africa transforms African broadcasting for the digital age with inq. MMS Africa, a provider of media management soft...
10/06/2024

MMS Africa transforms African broadcasting for the digital age with inq.

MMS Africa, a provider of media management software solutions to broadcasters across Africa, has partnered with inq., a Convergence Partners company, to host its infrastructure, support its IT requirements, and assist it with the software customisation on its broadcast solution.

“Since we opened our doors in 2017, the focus has always been on enabling the integration of multiple back-end software solutions for broadcasters who relied on these complex environments to fulfil their mandates,” says Abdul Mathee, the Founder of MMS Africa. “At the time, we partnered with international software vendors to deliver a solution, but it was still price prohibitive for many of the growing broadcasters across the continent.”

This was the catalyst for MMS Africa to begin developing its own software that would initially take four linear back-end broadcast processes to deliver a complete virtualisation solution. The company started working with several television and radio stations by taking care of their broadcasting software requirements for them to focus on the content.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/mms-africa-transforms-african-broadcasting-for-the-digital-age-with-inq/

Why golf is a sport for anyoneJohan van Greune, Joint CEO and Co-founder at BooYaa Golf Even though many perceive golf a...
06/06/2024

Why golf is a sport for anyone

Johan van Greune, Joint CEO and Co-founder at BooYaa Golf

Even though many perceive golf as a sport for the elite, rich, or retired, it really is a game that provides massive benefits to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Of course, there is the physical exercise of playing a round of nine or 18 holes but let us not forget the mental benefits of spending five or so hours outside in the fresh air, socialising with people.

For me, golf is an excellent way of reducing stress. Just think about the beauty of a golf course, the interaction with nature, and being so focused on your next swing that you can easily forget about all your worries for a few hours. Golf is a great way to improve your mood. So, think about it as not just a sport that requires you to swing a club and get the ball into the hole. Consider it as a means to release endorphins, our body’s natural mood lifters.

Spending time on the golf course also offers a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is a great opportunity to leave behind the pressures of work and home and simply enjoy being in the moment. This can provide much-needed mental clarity and relaxation, making it easier to tackle everyday challenges with a fresh perspective.

An inclusive pursuit

Playing with friends, making new ones, or networking with business contacts makes golf one of the most unique pastimes around. Yes, there is squash, padel, and other sports, but golf is something that can done at a more relaxed pace.

Plus, it is something people of all shapes and sizes can do. The magic of the handicap system means golf is unique in that it can pit beginners against pros without fear of favour or embarrassment. If you jog or cycle, then it really is about the fittest and fastest waking away with the win. Golf changes all that.

In fact, it is one of the most inclusive sports out there. Golf fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for mental health. Everyone, regardless of their skill level, can experience the joy and satisfaction of playing golf.

The social interactions on the golf course can combat loneliness and isolation. Golf provides ample opportunities for socialising and building meaningful connections. This social aspect is particularly important for mental health, as strong social ties are linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression.

Read more; https://www.writeminds.news/why-golf-is-a-sport-for-anyone/

DAC Systems helps companies unlock full capabilities of Microsoft TeamsDAC Systems, a leading provider of integrated bus...
05/06/2024

DAC Systems helps companies unlock full capabilities of Microsoft Teams

DAC Systems, a leading provider of integrated business solutions, says it works closely with its customers to harness the full potential of the Microsoft Teams platform allowing individual teams to self-organise and collaborate across business scenarios.

With more than 300 million users at the end of 2023 and 91% of Fortune 100 companies adopting it, Microsoft Teams is one of the most widely used meeting applications in the world. Beyond providing meeting and call features, Microsoft Teams is also deeply integrated with Microsoft 365. This enables real-time collaboration directly within the Microsoft Teams interface for users to create, share, and edit Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations without leaving the app.

The Planner app in Microsoft Teams brings together all the company’s tasks and plans across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem in a single convenient location. It helps businesses manage tasks more efficiently for individual plans and team initiatives including grid view, dependencies, scheduling, and a timeline (Gantt) view.

For companies struggling with tasking and feedback, the integration between Teams, Planner, and Loop components enables them to easily assign tasks to employees who get reminded in Outlook that tasks are due and can complete the tasks without leaving the App,

For those businesses operating in retail, healthcare, or on factory floors that require scheduling, Microsoft Teams offers a feature called Shifts. This is a schedule management tool that helps managers create, update, and manage shift schedules. Employees can also use it to clock in and out, request shift swaps, or offer up shifts they cannot work.

Read more; https://www.writeminds.news/dac-systems-helps-companies-unlock-full-capabilities-of-microsoft-teams/

"It's Time for Africa" Launches, Proceeds to Support African Youth in Entrepreneurship and InnovationEnterprising Africa...
04/06/2024

"It's Time for Africa" Launches, Proceeds to Support African Youth in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Enterprising Africa Regional Network (Pty) Ltd (EARN) is thrilled to announce the launch of "It's Time for Africa," a transformative new book by EARN founder Joshua Chimakula Ngoma. All proceeds from the book’s sales will be used to fund the development of African youth in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Set to release on 25th May 2024, available on Amazon, "It's Time for Africa" offers an insightful exploration of Africa's rich history, cultural diversity, and boundless potential. Ngoma, a renowned social entrepreneur and development specialist, shares his unique perspective on Africa's journey and future. "It's Time for Africa" addresses critical themes such as leadership, education, technology, and environmental stewardship.

Drawing from Ngoma’s personal experiences, the book offers practical strategies to showcase how Africa's vibrant and resilient people hold the key to shaping a brighter future for the continent.

“Reading this book made me travel to Africa and discover how superficial my knowledge was. Starting from natural resources, technologies, government, economics, entrepreneurship, and many other areas, I was able to understand a lot better Africa’s opportunities and challenges.” - Rafael Libardi, CEO NoLeak Defence Technologies Inc., São Paulo, Brazil.

“Joshua’s narrative is a testament to the vibrant spirit of Africa united with a language that lightens the gravity of the subjects he tackles. His book is not just a call to action; it is an invitation to reimagine Africa through the eyes of someone who knows it intimately.” - Fabio Ivatiuk, Co-Founder and CEO of Rhevolut, São Paulo, Brazil.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/its-time-for-africa-launches-proceeds-to-support-african-youth-in-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/

Harnessing the potential of mobile payments in AfricaDalene Deale, Strategic Consultant at Halo DotFinancial inclusion r...
22/05/2024

Harnessing the potential of mobile payments in Africa

Dalene Deale, Strategic Consultant at Halo Dot

Financial inclusion remains a critical barrier across Africa. A considerable segment of the population remains alienated from basic banking services. Yet, the arrival of mobile payment technologies, like Halo Dot, promises to bridge this gap.

Halo Dot's innovative approach turns mobile devices into secure, encrypted payment terminals, allowing for instant card payments without the need for a traditional point-of-sale device. This technology enables businesses to swiftly adapt to market demands, focusing on expansion and customer service rather than the logistics of payment processing.

Informal traders, a significant economic force in Africa, are set to gain from such mobile solutions. The shift to digital payments not only streamlines their operations but also facilitates financial visibility, enabling these traders to establish credit histories and participate more fully in the formal economy.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/harnessing-the-potential-of-mobile-payments-in-africa/

Introducing AIbraham Lincoln: The World's First AI Presidential Candidate History is in the making as we meet AIbraham L...
20/05/2024

Introducing AIbraham Lincoln: The World's First AI Presidential Candidate

History is in the making as we meet AIbraham Lincoln, the world's first AI presidential candidate. AIbraham Lincoln (Abe2.0) enters politics today, marking the beginning of its groundbreaking political career and its intention to campaign for the 2028 U.S. election.

This revolutionary candidate promises to usher in a new era of fairness, transparency, and unbiased decision-making in American politics.

AIbraham Lincoln is designed to listen to every voter, making ethical decisions rooted in American values and constitutional principles. Leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, AIbraham Lincoln collects and analyzes voter input to ensure policies reflect the true will of the people.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/introducing-aibraham-lincoln-the-worlds-first-ai-presidential-candidate/

For more information, visit https://www.voteabe2028.ai/

Contact

AIbraham Lincoln
Ai tech dragons
[email protected]

Embracing AI for News: The Future of Informed SocietiesIn the digital era, where information is as vast as it is varied,...
03/05/2024

Embracing AI for News: The Future of Informed Societies

In the digital era, where information is as vast as it is varied, discerning the signal from the noise has never been more crucial. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how we consume news, promising a future where information is not only more accessible but also more relevant, accurate, and timely. Among the trailblazers in this revolution is Newsgpt.ai, a company that stands out for its innovative use of custom-built Large Language Models (LLMs) to deliver concise, fact-based articles. This shift towards AI-driven news channels like NewsGPT offers compelling reasons for audiences and businesses alike to make AI their preferred source for news.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/embracing-ai-for-news-the-future-of-informed-societies/

Ready to join the News Revolution? Sign up at https://app.newsgpt.ai to receive hyper-personalized news sent to you daily at a time of your choosing.

Synthesis Software Technologies’ Award-Winning Gen AI Solutions Take Centre Stage with AWSAmazon Web Services (AWS) rece...
19/04/2024

Synthesis Software Technologies’ Award-Winning Gen AI Solutions Take Centre Stage with AWS

Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently hosted an exclusive event “Elevating Possibilities with Partners - a Showcase of GenAI Excellence” in South Africa. This event brought together ten esteemed partners, including Synthesis Software Technologies, to highlight innovative advancements in the field of Generative AI (GenAI).

Dr. Archie Arakkal, Practice Lead, and Darren Bak, Head of Intelligent Data represented Synthesis Software Technologies by delivering a captivating presentation that delved into the Synthesis GenAI Launchpad solution that highlights the potential to transform various industries.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/synthesis-award-winning-gen-ai-solutions-take-centre-stage-with-aws/

Adopting ITSM to deliver customer value Muggie van Staden, Managing Director of Obsidian Systems, a Platinum Atlassian P...
18/04/2024

Adopting ITSM to deliver customer value

Muggie van Staden, Managing Director of Obsidian Systems, a Platinum Atlassian Partner

Virtually every business function inside an organisation requires technology to work effectively. The digital ‘glue’ that binds all these once disparate systems is Enterprise Service Management (ESM) which breaks down traditional silos to align the delivery of services with the strategic objectives of the business.

One of the catalysts that sparked the evolution from traditional IT Service Management (ITSM) to ESM has been the need to deliver faster, more personalised, and more seamless experiences to customers. If anything, customer service delivery stands as a cornerstone of success for organisations across all industries and, as businesses strive to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers, the evolution of service management practices has become paramount.

There is now a broader movement towards holistic and integrated service delivery practices, emphasising the importance of delivering seamless experiences to both internal and external customers. Furthermore, by fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, organisations can ensure that service delivery practices are aligned with business objectives and driven by the needs of the customer.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/adopting-itsm-to-deliver-customer-value/

Assuring your IoT business success through effective connectivity and infrastructure James Faasen, Infrastructure and Sy...
17/04/2024

Assuring your IoT business success through effective connectivity and infrastructure

James Faasen, Infrastructure and System Administrator at Trinity Media Solutions

The growing expansion of IoT-connected devices is projected to exceed 30 billion connected units by 2025 which presents unique challenges. This includes ensuring dependable connectivity, navigating complex networks, safeguarding data integrity, and scaling infrastructure to meet escalating demands. Within this intricate IoT ecosystem, effective connectivity and robust network infrastructure play crucial roles.

At Trinity, connectivity and infrastructure are more than just services. We consider them an integral solution that provides our customers with versatility and quick issue resolution capabilities. Our commitment to redundancy and proactive monitoring enhances our client’s ability to make informed, data-driven decisions, which is crucial for businesses relying on IoT data for operational insights and strategic planning.

For example, a media company that pushes content to screens throughout the country needs to provide its customers with feedback on how long the screens were on and which adverts were showing. If they cannot get the information in time, it weakens their reporting and reduces their value proposition.

Similarly, a customer who does electricity metering must understand how many Kilowatts their operations are using on the Eskom feed before kicking over to generator power that becomes more cost-effective at a certain point. Reliable connectivity and robust infrastructure are the pillars of enabling organisations to leverage data-driven insights for informed financial decision-making.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/assuring-your-iot-business-success-through-effective-connectivity-and-infrastructure/

Demystifying AI: Unraveling Common MisconceptionsIn the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), myth...
15/04/2024

Demystifying AI: Unraveling Common Misconceptions

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), myths and misconceptions often cloud the public's understanding of what AI is truly capable of and how it impacts our daily lives. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors, it's crucial to dispel these misconceptions to appreciate the technology's potential and address its challenges responsibly. One area where AI has made significant strides, yet is often misunderstood, is in the realm of news and content creation. Companies like Newsgpt.ai are pioneering the use of AI in this space, demonstrating the beneficial applications of AI while also navigating the common myths that surround the technology.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/demystifying-ai-unraveling-common-misconceptions/

The rise of the cashless societyJonathan Jacobs, Head of Product and Operations at Halo DotIn recent years, there has be...
11/04/2024

The rise of the cashless society

Jonathan Jacobs, Head of Product and Operations at Halo Dot

In recent years, there has been a gradual shift towards going cashless. This is something that is impacting every society around the world. However, in developing countries like South Africa, this transition has become a layered one. Influenced by the divide that separates people when it comes to access to both technology and financial services, the need for inclusive digital transformation is essential.

Even though South Africa has a large segment of the market that is unbanked and underserved, research has shown that 95% of people have executed at least one digital payment. This signifies the massive potential of going cashless. Retailers like Woolworths Café and Starbucks have already gone cashless at some of their outlets. Despite the general uproar surrounding this, the retailers have done so based on data analysis that reflects their customers’ preferences for doing so. Regardless, this is a bold move, demonstrating a commitment to a more digitally-driven future that reflects the convenience of cashless.

Read More: https://www.writeminds.news/the-rise-of-the-cashless-society/

iKhokha Surpasses R2bn in Working Capital Disbursements to South African SMEs iKhokha, the KZN based fintech which recen...
09/04/2024

iKhokha Surpasses R2bn in Working Capital Disbursements to South African SMEs

iKhokha, the KZN based fintech which recently picked up the MTN Financial App of the Year Award, has announced that it has surpassed the impressive milestone of disbursing more than R2bn in working capital to its SME customer base, in partnership with Retail Capital, now a division of TymeBank.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/ikhokha-surpasses-r2bn-in-working-capital-disbursements-to-south-african-smes/

Addressing the scourge of cyberbullying Bullying is a pervasive risk to South African children, resulting in long-lastin...
08/04/2024

Addressing the scourge of cyberbullying

Bullying is a pervasive risk to South African children, resulting in long-lasting emotional and psychological harm. In addition to physical and verbal bullying, a particularly concerning trend is the increased incidences of cyberbullying, also known as social media bullying.

A survey conducted in 2021 amongst 200 South African parents found that more than half of their children had been cyberbullied. A study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) revealed that children are more prone to cyberbullying than adults. Defined as the use of electronic communication by one party to harass, threaten, intimidate, humiliate, and stalk the other, cyberbullying can result in depression, anger, frustration, anxiety, and fear. It can also lead to delinquency, violence, and suicidal thoughts.

Bullying is defined as an intentional wrongful act (whether a physical act in verbal or written form or even a gesture), performed by either an individual or group of persons and which directly infringes an individual’s constitutional rights to equality and dignity. It is also often repeated, and not a one-off.

In South Africa, there are five pieces of legislation aimed at protecting children, including protecting them from physical and online child-associated violence and bullying. However, despite all this legislation in place, bullying remains rampant.

In 2023, the Department of Basic Education announced its intention to make legislative changes that allow for children who are the victims of bullying to apply for protection orders against their bullies with the latter facing possible jail time or correctional service programmes.

But as legal experts have pointed out, while the intent of this legislative change cannot be doubted, in reality, it will be hard to implement them. Firstly, prosecutors will need to be able to prove that the accused bully has the mental capacity to understand the difference between right and wrong. Children under the age of 10 are not perceived to have criminal capacity under South African law and therefore can’t be held criminally liable. In the case of accused children over the age of 10, stakeholders will need to be sure that it is in the best interests of both the victim and the bully to be exposed to South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Read more: https://www.writeminds.news/addressing-the-scourge-of-cyberbullying/

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