Hashtags that rocked 2015
JOBURG – These hashtags rocked social media networks in 2015.
Below is a list of the top hashtags that saw South Africans tweeting up a storm in 2015.
A hashtag, for those who still do not know, is a word or phrase preceded by a hash sign (#), used on social media sites, like Twitter to identify messages on a specific topic.
- #BringBackOurGirls
In April 2014, 276 school girls were kidnapped, by Boko Haram, from their school in Nigeria. Since then 57 have managed to escape, but 219 girls are still missing. Even though the kidnapping took place a year ago, it’s still trending, because of the large number of girls still missing. People all over the world used and still use this hashtag to voice their opinion on this matter.
- #OscarTrial
The well-known case that shocked South Africa went on trial in 2014. Paralympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius was accused of killing model Reeva Steenkamp. Even in 2015 this case had South Africans tweeting and following the reports vigorously. Journalists used this hashtag to ensure followers get the latest developments on the court case.
- #loadshedding
Of course this hashtag will not be as relevant in other countries. In 2015, when stage one, two and three load shedding became a reality, people used the opportunity to hashtag this problem and start a conversation. From frustration to solutions, the hashtag was and is still being used.
- #FillUpTheDome
On 31 October South African rapper, Cassper Nyovest hosted his concert, Fill up the Dome. He launched this campaign, #FillUpTheDome to try to be the first local artist to fill up the Ticket Pro Dome in North Riding. After he succeeded in his goal, the hashtag #filledthedome was launched.
- #askMmusi
DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, went on Twitter and created the hashtag to answer serious questions from South Africans about the DA’s future plans. Instead, people asked Maimane questions about sports, love advice and what his favourite colour is. The hashtag may not have achieved its original goal, but is did provide South Africans a lot of entertainment.
- #feesmustfall
After it was announced that university fees in South Africa will be increasing in 2016, students all over the country started to protest in an effort to lower the fees. The hashtag was used and is still used today by frustrated students, as well as members of community to take part in all discussions linking to fees must fall. The protest was successful in that Presidents Jacob Zuma announced that student fees would not increase in 2016.
- #flabba
In March 2015, Skwatta Kamp rapper, Nkululeko Habedi was allegedly murdered by his girlfriend. After the court case started, this hashtag started being used to follow the case. This hashtag was among the top free hashtags in South Africa in October according to @TrendieZA.
