The latest social media report has brought to light the digital presence of government leaders in South Africa, with President Cyril Ramaphosa leading the pack with a staggering 2.95 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). Following closely behind are Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa with 682k followers and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi with 569k followers.
The fifth edition of the South African Government Leaders on X Report, presented by Decode Communications, was unveiled at a prestigious event in Sandton. This report delves into how government officials utilize social media platforms to engage with the public and foster transparency, accountability, and trust in leadership.
In a country grappling with issues like potholes, food prices, water shortages, and crime, X has become a virtual town hall where citizens demand direct interaction and meaningful conversations with their leaders. Social media users in South Africa expect government officials to be accountable, provide accurate information, update on service delivery, establish genuine connections, and exhibit a humane leadership style.
Despite the increasing presence of cabinet ministers on X, the level of engagement and impact remains subpar, according to Lorato Tshenkeng, CEO of Decode Communications. Tshenkeng emphasized the importance of leaders being actively present on social media platforms to address pressing issues and have meaningful dialogues with the public.
The 2025 edition of the report has expanded its focus to include deputy ministers, offering a more holistic view of digital engagement across the government. Key findings revealed that President Ramaphosa, Premier Lesufi, and Minister McKenzie are among the top performers in terms of followers and engagement on X.
However, concerns were raised about the credibility of accounts, with only 10 out of 34 ministers having verified profiles. Additionally, some ministers were found to have inactive accounts, signaling a need for more active and transparent communication from government officials.
As South Africa enters a period of coalition governance, Tshenkeng emphasized the importance of strategic digital leadership in fostering unity and inspiring the nation. The report serves as a call to action for government leaders to leverage social media as a tool for nation-building, transparency, and meaningful public discourse.
In a time where communication is key, the South African Government Leaders on X Report urges leaders to lead the conversation and the nation forward, addressing challenges while instilling hope and resilience in the South African population. As technology continues to advance and evolve at a rapid pace, the ways in which we interact with it are also changing. One of the most significant developments in recent years is the rise of voice-controlled technology, which allows users to interact with devices using only their voice. This technology has become increasingly popular and is now being integrated into a wide range of devices, from smartphones and smart speakers to cars and even household appliances.
Voice-controlled technology works by using speech recognition software to interpret and respond to spoken commands. This allows users to perform a wide range of tasks simply by speaking, such as making phone calls, sending text messages, playing music, setting reminders, and even controlling smart home devices.
One of the most well-known examples of voice-controlled technology is the virtual assistant, such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant. These virtual assistants are designed to provide users with a wide range of services and information, from weather updates and news headlines to restaurant recommendations and traffic updates. Users can interact with these virtual assistants using natural language commands, making the experience feel more intuitive and conversational.
Voice-controlled technology is also being integrated into other devices, such as smart speakers and smart home devices. These devices allow users to control their connected devices and appliances using only their voice, making it easier and more convenient to manage their homes. For example, users can turn on lights, adjust the thermostat, and even lock doors using voice commands.
Another area where voice-controlled technology is making an impact is in the automotive industry. Many new cars come equipped with voice-controlled technology that allows drivers to make phone calls, send messages, and even control the radio and navigation system without taking their hands off the wheel. This not only improves safety by reducing distractions but also enhances the overall driving experience.
Overall, voice-controlled technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology and is making our lives more convenient and efficient. As this technology continues to improve and become more widespread, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and devices that make use of voice commands. Whether it’s managing our homes, staying connected on the go, or simply making our lives easier, voice-controlled technology is changing the way we live and interact with the world around us.
