The upcoming elections are a turning point in South Africa’s democratic journey and the high stakes pave the way for mis- and disinformation. The relaunch of Tales of Turning – which harnesses research, social media, and technology for qualified – comes at a crucial moment in the country’s history.
Renowned peacebuilders, Geoffrey Mamputa and Stefan Snel, are partnering on this innovative initiative to amplify the work of the peacebuilding community through social media and technology. The two maintain extensive experience in conflict mediation focused on gangs, cab associations, unions, communities, xenophobia victims, and higher education.
Geoffrey is a highly experienced mediator, facilitator, development practitioner and peacemaker with years of experience. He is currently the Provincial Conflict Coordinator for the IEC and has been involved in electoral and conflict resolution for over three decades.
Stefan contributed to the establishment of the Peace Accord structures, and developed a national network of civilian violence mediators in preparation for the first democratic elections in 1994. In 2015, Stefan started exploring the use of social media and technology to scale peacebuilding interventions.
“Social media platforms offer a convenient, cost-effective, and sustainable way to engage with people and stimulate social change on a long-term basis, but these platforms can contribute to preventing the spread of disinformation and violence during elections,” explained Stefan Snel, Director of Tales of Turning.
“People often discuss critical social issues on social media, yet few are equipped to dialogue effectively in online environments, and difficult conversations can become challenging. These skills are vital as online detest between opposing groups is connected to offline violence.”
Tales of Turning is leading the realisation that social media and technology can be used as forces for apt, preventing violence and supporting social cohesion. Through online programmes, Tales of Turning is forming global networks of digital changemakers to promote peace.
“Big problems require enormous solutions, which is why the programmes supported by Tales of Turning are backed by huge data to reach people at scale,” explained Snel. “Through these projects, citizens are actively recognised as experts on issues they encounter in their everyday lives. Therefore, we turn to everyday conversations in social media to gain a deeper understanding of social ills, and engage with citizens to create community-driven solutions.”
Blending experience in conflict mediation, psychology and narrative therapy, Tales of Turning is training individuals and organisations to maintain courageous conversations online and offline. This is done by placing innovative tools in the hands of communities and amplifying their voices to create meaningful change.
For more information about Tales of Turning, visit www.talesofturning.co.za. For media queries contact talesofturning@gmail.com.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications.
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