International Journal of Research in Economics and Social Sciences
Year : 2017, Volume : 7, Issue : 3
First page : ( 212) Last page : ( 216)
Online ISSN : 2249-7382.

Exploring the relevance of WhatsApp groups in empowering Zimbabwean urban communities: Case of Wezhira Community Radio Initiative‘s WhatsApp platforms

Maunganidze Golden¹, Chiwewe Pepukai²

¹Great Zimbabwe University, P.O. Box 1235, Masvingo

²Department of English and Media Studies, Great Zimbabwe University, P.O. Box 1235, Masvingo

Online published on 27 July, 2017.

Abstract

The paper explores the use of WhatsApp as a communication tool to spear-heard community development in Masvingo urban. WhatsApp has been celebrated in contemporary societies for facilitating participation of citizens in the affairs of their communities. WhatsApp offers an ideal, freedom of expression and upholding of human rights. WhatsApp is highly commendable for offering an ideal public sphere where citizens can discuss issues which affect them. Draconian legislation that govern media operations in the country restrict free flow of information thereby reducing the freedom of expression in traditional media. Traditionally, the media in Zimbabwe serve urban dwellers. WhatsApp is accessible using internet compatible mobile phones. WhatsApp has opened discursive forums which used not to be found in developing democracies like Zimbabwe. The discursive public of Masvingo urban is now able to exchange information via the Wezhira community radio initiative platform. However, there is increasing debate on the relevance of WhatsApp platforms in facilitating critical debates which touch on bread and butter issues. There is the need to determine if the use of WhatsApp by Wezhira Community Radio is improving urban communities.

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Keywords

WhatsApp, Communities, Public Debates, Newspapers, Traditional Media.

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