CELEBRATING 67 MINUTES BY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS

 

"A winner is a dreamer who doesn't give up"

- Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela's remarkable life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to fighting against apartheid and promoting unity in South Africa. His leadership in the African National Congress and his courageous stance against oppression, even in the face of 27 years of imprisonment, inspired a nation and galvanized international support. After his release, Mandela played a crucial role in transitioning South Africa to democracy, becoming its first black president in 1994. His presidency was marked by efforts to heal the nation's wounds, notably through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which focused on forgiveness and healing rather than vengeance.

Mandela's impact resonated globally, symbolizing resistance against injustice and advocating for human rights. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts. Today, his legacy continues through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which promotes social justice, education, and healthcare. Mandela's life reminds us of the power of individual action to drive meaningful change and the importance of compassion, justice, and human dignity.

The importance of Nelson Mandela Day (18 July)

Nelson Mandela Day is a significant occasion that honors the life and legacy of a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights. Celebrated on July 18th, Mandela's birthday, the day encourages people to take action and make a positive impact in their communities. By dedicating 67 minutes of their time to community service, individuals can reflect Mandela's 67 years of public service and contribute to creating a better world.

The importance of Nelson Mandela Day lies in its ability to inspire people to become active citizens and leaders, promoting social justice and human rights. It serves as a reminder of the power of individual action and the impact that collective efforts can have on creating positive change. By celebrating Mandela's legacy, we can foster a sense of global unity and solidarity, encouraging people to work together towards a more just and equitable world. Ultimately, Nelson Mandela Day is a celebration of the human spirit and our capacity to make a difference in the lives of others.

67 minutes of service

I spent my 67 minutes on Nelson Mandela Day picking up waste across BARA Hospital in Soweto. As I walked through the hospital grounds, I collected waste, ensuring the environment was clean and safe for patients, staff, and visitors. This simple act of service allowed me to give back to my community and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through this small act, I reflected Nelson Mandela's values of community service and dignity. I felt a sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing that even small actions can have a positive impact. By taking the time to clean up the hospital grounds, I contributed to creating a more pleasant and healthy environment for everyone.

I beamed with joy seeing patients smile, their faces lit up with hope knowing some kids still care. It was heartwarming to witness the positive impact of my small act of service on their lives. As I walked through the hospital grounds after picking up waste, I could sense the appreciation and gratitude from the patients, and it filled me with a sense of fulfillment. Seeing the hope and smiles on their faces reminded me of the importance of kindness and generosity. It was a privilege to be part of their day and contribute to making a difference in their lives. The experience left me feeling uplifted and inspired, knowing that even small actions can bring joy and hope to others. The patients' reactions were a beautiful reminder of the power of compassion and empathy. Their smiles and words of appreciation touched my heart, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to serve. It was a truly enriching experience that will stay with me for a long time.

How was the environment?

The hospital environment was a mix of normalcy and intimidation. While the atmosphere was generally calm and orderly, the sheer size and complexity of the hospital, combined with the seriousness of the medical care being provided, created an underlying sense of unease. The beeping machines, sterile smells, and bustling activity of medical staff added to the intimidating ambiance, making it a place where people might feel anxious or scared, even if everything was running smoothly. Despite this, my experience of picking up waste and interacting with patients helped humanize the space, reminding me that even in a hospital, there are moments of kindness and connection. It is unlike clinics; the environment was overwhelming and scary for me knowing that some of the patients wish to make it out alive and others are going through abnormal pains.

Reflection

As I reflect on my 67 minutes of volunteering at BARA Hospital in Soweto on Nelson Mandela Day, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment. Witnessing the smiles on the patients' faces and knowing that I played a small part in brightening their day was truly heartwarming. The experience not only allowed me to give back to the community but also reminded me of the values of compassion, kindness, and service that Madiba embodied. I feel grateful for the opportunity to honor his legacy and contribute to making a positive impact in the lives of others. The Community Engagement team and volunteers played a vital role in making Nelson Mandela Day a success. Their efforts brought people together, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie. By organizing activities and initiatives, they helped foster a spirit of community and social responsibility.

I was heartened to see people having fun while giving back to the community. The event showcased the power of collective action and the impact that can be made when people come together with a shared purpose. The joy and enthusiasm of the participants were palpable, and it was wonderful to see the community spirit that Nelson Mandela Day brings. See the attached videos below that shows a glimpse of how excited we were on the Nelson Mandela Day https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xJOVNZmvB9YXC7OdugjULc8qvqVdGPnj/view?usp=drivesdk

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1InL_a3C_D61UoZGqNnq3b6J9rRtsyRiP/view?usp=drivesdk

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3H1KvBfsJCz8PH0mAR_PMMbNXy8kiV4/view?usp=drivesdk 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nelson Mandela Day was a resounding success, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Community Engagement team and volunteers. The event brought people together, promoting unity, kindness, and community spirit. It was heartwarming to see individuals from all walks of life coming together to make a positive impact. The day served as a fitting tribute to Nelson Mandela's legacy, inspiring us to continue striving for a better world. Through our collective actions, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion, making a lasting difference in the lives of others. Let's continue to work together in promoting kindness and making great impact in the lives of others

Media Convergence

                                              MEDIA CONVERGENCE

What is media convergence?

The phenomena known as "media convergence" refers to the relationship between media content, computer networks, and information and communications technology. It is a direct result of the digitalization of media material and the widespread use of the Internet, bringing together the "three C's": computation, communication, and content. The emergence of completely new types of material is made possible by media convergence, which also changes long-standing businesses, services, and labor arrangements. It breaks down long-standing "silos" in the media industry and content.

                                WHY IS MEDIA CONVERGENCE IMPORTANT?

Media Convergence is important because it combines content, computer networks, and communication technologies, instantly changing a number of long-standing businesses, services, and work procedures. New types of content are also created as a result of this process.
Citing long-standing media industries, content "silos," and the tendency to detach material from specific devices, all of which pose significant obstacles to regulation and public policy.
expands the methods for content sales to customers.
enhances client loyalty, particularly in a fragmented market, and the growth of file sharing puts the conventional power disparity between producers and consumers in jeopardy.
may improve journalism, boost media legitimacy, and enrich media content.

                                WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE MEDIA CONVERGENCE?

Media convergence, which also changes long-standing businesses, services, and labor practices1. It breaks down long-standing "silos" in the media sector and detaches content from specific devices more and more, which poses significant obstacles for regulation and public policy1. There are numerous benefits to media convergence, including two:
Accessibility to quality content and news
a tool that lets you regularly look up target demographics and create content for them
Viewers are makers as well.
A shift in how individuals think about consuming media.https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=impact+of+media+convergence&&mid=97E649CC9A805679FF1697E649CC9A805679FF16&&FORM=VRDGAR

                                                MEDIA CONVERGENCE MODELS

The ultimate manifestation of technology convergence would be the fictitious "black box," a single device that governed all aspects of media.

Economic convergence is the state in which a single business owns holdings in several media.
Multimedia multitasking, or the "natural" result of a diverse media environment, is known as organic convergence.
Cultural convergence is the process by which stories are shared across many media platforms and readers/viewers are able to respond to, change, or otherwise engage with culture. See more on https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=3+types+of+media+convergence&&view=riverview&mmscn=mtsc&mid=C84BF102C346EADF9076C84BF102C346EADF9076&&aps=0&FORM=VMSOVR

PAID MEDIA 

The purchase of ad inventory on a media channel or publisher website in order to disseminate your brand message and connect with your target audience is known as paid media. It's a type of online advertising where brands use sponsored content to market their goods and services.

EARNED MEDIA

Earned media refers to the exposure or recognition that a company garners without having to pay for it, coming from external sources like media channels, clients, or influencers. This type of media can arise naturally from significant actions taken by the company or from its own content. It can manifest across different mediums, including online, print, broadcast, and social media. The scope of earned media can vary widely, from substantial coverage like a news feature to a brief reference like a social media post. 

OWNED MEDIA

Owned media encompasses all digital assets that are owned and operated by a brand, including but not limited to blogs, websites, and social media platforms. Leveraging owned media allows organizations to have full control over their messaging and enables direct engagement with their target audience. This type of media serves as the cornerstone for a brand's paid and earned media strategies. The greater the number of owned media channels a company possesses, the broader their online presence becomes, leading to increased opportunities to engage with customers and attract followers.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE

Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant growth in information and communication Change is occurring at an accelerated rate. For example, the evolution of mobile technology has significantly influenced how social media is perceived.

When it comes to the total minutes spent online, mobile devices rule the word. They give everyone access to the ability to connect on any device, anywhere, at any time. According to the statistics, social media is limiting the physical or in contact communication as people communicate through social media. The more influence a person has, the future appeal that existence has to companies or other individuals who wants to promote an idea or vend a product. Companies can harness social media to help induce brand mindfulness vend force and increase client generation. This has can be done by enforcing a marketing strategy that focuses on adding the company's own social media influence or by hiring established, secure influencers influence. A 2018 Common Sense Media Report found that over a third of teenagers' report using social media sites multiple times an hour, and 81 percent of teens use social media. Over the previous six years, these numbers have significantly increased, most likely due to greater accessibility to mobile devices on the effect of social media on the cognitive development and phycological health of teenagers. See more on... social media influence - Search (bing.com)

Cyberbullying, improper content exposure, and increased rates of anxiety and depression are among the risks associated with social media use. Teenagers can be helped by parents and other adults to balance their online and offline lives and to handle the risks associated with using social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

INLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM: TIK TOK

TikTok is a social networking platform where users may create and watch short videos. TikTok is well known for entertainment but also educative on the other side. One should not undervalue the power of TikTok because it has the ability to make or shatter a person's career. It has the power to change how people see other people. Everyone may find enjoyment and entertainment on TikTok. See more onhttps://medium.com/@lukeduracmcgowan/how-tiktok-is-influencing-minds-and-changing-culture-123c532a764b

FACEBOOK

Facebook combines the mass media's reach and the ability of interpersonal persuasion; some have argued that that it may have influence than traditional media. According to some, Facebook represents "the most significant advancement in persuasion since the invention in the 1890's. See more on  

 https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/14/facebook-messenger-meta-pay-child-sexual-abuse-exploitation#img-1

WHATSAPP

The technology company META owns the voice-over-IP and instant messaging application WhatsApp. It enables user's locations, photos, documents and other content in addition to sending text, voice, and video calls. The authors of this survey discovered that WhatsApp has big influence on people these days. It has a negative effect on young people's conduct, education, and daily lives. It has been discovered that this platform is extremely addictive, leaving a trail that this is challenging to remove.