It has been another week riddled with twists and turns. This week was a reminder to take the conversation further and deeper than social media, from the high expectations of the 2025 budget speech to the lows of what happened ZanZou club.

As far as the news cycle goes, this week was hectic. A video of patrons being instructed to do degrading sexual acts went on social media. Although it is unclear if they were in the wrong or not, a line was crossed where their human rights were violated. The video sparked important conversations online about exactly the club culture is and how people are silenced when it comes to reporting the crimes that occur in these establishments. What was even more disturbing was how it is the youth that is mostly affected by these acts. It was sad to learn through social media platforms that someone knew another person who went through such a horrific experience, in worse cases, someone who died from it.

Student protests also made a return on the news at the University of Wits Watersrand. They went on a hunger strike to highlight the issues of unregistered students. Once again, this was a reminder of the systemic inequalities that still exist almost 31 years into democracy. It took us right back to the moment of #FeesMustFall. Again, the conversation happened on social media. While this is great as this is how the world connects nowadays, it is clear that a lot more needs to be done.

As if this was not stressful enough, we also had to deal with the visible cracks of the GNU. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was meant to table the budget on the 19^th of February. However, there was an unexpected turn of events as the Speaker of Parliament announced that this would not happen anymore as it had been postponed. Predictably, other political parties tried to push for the minister to deliver the speech anyway which he still did not. Later, it was announced that the budget would be tabled on 12 March. The crux of the issue from this was the proposed 2% VAT increase. This justifiably set social media ablaze.

This week’s occurrences are proof that we are living in unprecedented times as a city and as a country. In every decision made, we are the common denominators as they will affect us in one way or another. While it is great to have these conversations online, it is important to take them into our households and communities. I implore you to tap into your active citizenry. The times we live in demand that of you. Whether you have to join a movement or organization to organize and mobilize against some kind of injustice, you have to actively be part of the solution. Accountability requires consistency. Therefore, if we do not hold ourselves accountable by standing up for what is right and sticking to it, we will not be able to do that to the powers that be. So, go beyond your keyboard in whatever way you possibly can.

As we head into the weekend, think about how you can contribute to amplifying conversations that matter. Whatever you do, go beyond your keyboard!