ISSUE 92 / 2016
TECHNOLOGY
Here are just some examples of
how some of the most basic forms
of online tech have brought about
change.
The Web Page
Following the discovery that Jacob
Zuma, the South African president
was using vast amounts of public
funds to furnish his home, the
resulting anger dictated that public
power should never be abused in
such a way again.
Supporting this and helping to
make political legislation more
accessible to the public, one hacker
group are working on a site that
will break the 180 page constitution
down, simplifying it and making
certain sections easier to find for the
public.
This is certainly an idea that would
be welcomed over here!
Social Media
This year's election in Uganda led
to so much spirited debate from
opposition parties and voters, that
their president of 30 years, Yoweri
Museveni placed a ban on social
media sites.
Thanks to the creation of virtual private
networks (VPNs) however, citizens were
able to voice their opinions as if they were
located in other areas of the world. The
trending hashtag #UgandaDecides was
then born!
The Phone App
The lack of medical regulation in Africa
makes it very easy for unqualified people
to practice and this was evident in the
2015 case of the fake gynaecologist
proven to be raping women after
anaesthetising them.
As a result, the app Dodgy Doctors has
been created, registering all legitimate
doctors and checking against average
prices how much people are being
charged for medicines.
Hacking
The hacktivist group Anonymous, have
Africa in their sights when it comes to
exposing corruption under the hashtag
#OpAfrica.
Two of their biggest triumphs this year
include a series of Angolan government
websites following the jailing of 17 young
activists and exposing arms dealings
with the Namibian government and
international groups.
In a world where there is still so much governmental repression, technology can be a powerful tool to help bring about
more freedom and access to information.
16
USING TECHNOLOGY TO FIGHT FOR RIGHTS IN AFRICA
