Aloha,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
24 hours offline: Mauritius blinks
On Friday, users in Mauritius were surprised when they couldn’t access popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. The country’s communications regulator had imposed this restriction across Internet service providers, set to last until Mauritius’s general election on November 10. This move came in response to an online scandal involving leaked phone conversations of prominent figures, which rapidly spread, mostly through TikTok. The leaked tapes, allegedly obtained through wiretapping, included sensitive exchanges involving government officials and even featured a police commissioner discussing tampering with a police brutality case — adding fuel to the public’s outrage and sparking legal scrutiny. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth defended the social media restriction as essential for maintaining national security during the sensitive pre-election period, though it led to accusations from opposition leaders that the government was attempting to curb free speech and influence the upcoming election results. The social media ban was ultimately lifted within 24 hours, reportedly due to backlash from the media, opposition, and public protests. The Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) withdrew the restriction following consultations with other authorities.
35, ambitious, and still searching
Ever feel like life’s moving slower than your ambition? Sarah gets it. She’s been working in some form since she was 16, but only officially “landed a job” six years ago. Looking back, she wonders if certain choices — like going to a polytechnic or moving out of Lagos after marriage — might’ve held her back a bit. Some backstory: Since she was a teenager, Sarah’s always wanted more than what her civil servant parents had. They provided well, but she dreamed bigger and saw entrepreneurship as her ticket to that life. She’d jump at any chance to earn a little cash, and her parents loved that drive. Right after secondary school, she helped a shop owner down the street as a sort of part-time assistant. There wasn’t a set pay, but some days she’d go home with a little cash or something from the shop — a small sign she was carving out her way. Well, she’s 35 now and still having a tough time in her career, and she’s hard on herself about it. Check out Oluwanifemi’s story to learn more!
SARS eyes your crypto wallet
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is cracking down on crypto holders and traders in South Africa, making it clear that crypto transactions aren’t tax-free or exempt from reporting. Tax Consulting SA highlighted that SARS actively tracks undeclared crypto trades, using AI and other tech tools to detect potential non-compliance. They focus on traders who might believe they’re flying under the radar and could face penalties or audits if they haven’t declared profits or income. In recent months, some crypto holders received letters from SARS urging them to disclose any crypto activities, noting they’d already flagged unreported trades from transaction data shared by exchanges. For compliance, SARS has introduced a Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) as a final chance to declare any missed crypto-related income without major penalties — unless the omissions were grossly negligent or intentional. However, this applies only if individuals come forward before an audit is triggered. With increased efforts to enforce crypto tax compliance, SARS has also partnered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and crypto platforms to monitor trading activities. The message is clear: declaring crypto earnings is no longer optional, and proactive compliance is advised to avoid hefty penalties or legal issues.
In case you missed them
What I’m watching
Opportunities
Paystack is hiring for multiple senior positions. Apply here.
Moniepoint is hiring for various roles in the UK and Lagos. Apply here.
Interswitch is looking for a Senior Backend Engineer. Apply here.
Flutterwave is hiring for several roles in African countries, including Nigeria and Zambia, and the UK. Apply here.
Pitch Friday is this Friday, November 8, 2024. Register here.
Looking for an internship or remote role? Here’s a list of 1,500+ opportunities in different fields (tech, finance, marketing, health and more). Check it out here.
Follow Techpoint Africa’s WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Have a productive week!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa. scratch:
Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From sharing photos and updates to connecting with friends and family, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with others. However, while social media has many benefits, it also has a dark side that can have a significant impact on our mental health.
One of the main ways that social media can negatively affect our mental health is through comparison. As we scroll through our feeds, we are bombarded with images and updates from others that portray their lives as perfect and flawless. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem as we compare ourselves to others and feel like we are not measuring up. This constant comparison can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even lead to more serious mental health issues.
Another way that social media can impact our mental health is through cyberbullying. With the anonymity that the internet provides, people feel emboldened to say hurtful and harmful things to others online. This can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation, and can have serious consequences for our mental well-being. Cyberbullying can also exacerbate existing mental health issues and make it harder for individuals to seek help and support.
Furthermore, social media can also contribute to feelings of FOMO, or fear of missing out. As we see our friends and followers posting about their exciting lives and experiences, we may feel like we are missing out on all the fun. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a sense of disconnect from others. FOMO can also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression as we constantly feel like we need to be doing more and keeping up with everyone else.
In conclusion, while social media has many benefits, it is important to recognize the impact that it can have on our mental health. By being mindful of how we use social media and setting boundaries for ourselves, we can mitigate some of the negative effects that it can have on our well-being. It is also important to seek help and support if we are struggling with our mental health, as there are resources available to help us navigate the challenges of social media and maintain our mental well-being.
