Minister of State Security David Mahlobo sent Twitter into a frenzy after he reportedly said that government is considering regulating social media.
According to reports, Mahlobo was responding to a question by a reporter about the fake news during a question and answer session after a press briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS).
Mahlobo said social media was being abused and the government were contemplating to regulate the space.
“Even the best democracies that are revered, they regulate the space. We will be discussing how do we regulate it,” Mahlobo was quoted as saying.
The hashtag #HandsOffSocialMedia has been among the top trending hashtags in South Africa with hilarious memes and comments.
In case you missed them: #HandsOffSocialMedia.
Ekse David Mahlobo & The ANC
We Are Ready!#HandsOffSocialMedia pic.twitter.com/HUGL0MC7sI
— Ke_Didi (@Simile_Sonke) March 6, 2017
Idi Amin style we see u #HandsOffSocialMedia pic.twitter.com/OgBqgtKxQx
— Amenhotep (@josephnceba) March 6, 2017
The nation is worried about SASSA grants and government is worried about regulating social media #HandsOffSocialMedia pic.twitter.com/Hwv9GPTSR4
— Sazi Notshweleka (@Mansaz) March 6, 2017
@MYANC be like… #HandsOffSocialMedia pic.twitter.com/e61dJ6TcRC
— I’ll be honest (@MOHALE94) March 6, 2017
Our government,so many things & people that need their attention but they want to focus on regulating social media 🤦♀️ #HandsOffSocialMedia
— Karabo Mokgoko (@Karabo_Mokgoko) March 6, 2017
Mahlobo must think very carefully about what he would like to regulate. social media shouldn’t be on the list #handsoffsocialmedia pic.twitter.com/FAgtOUoeip
— Just Sayin… (@ThaboMaru) March 6, 2017
David Mahlobo probably got ignored by some chick in DMs and is taking it out on all of us now #HandsOffSocialMedia
— Sdu Yun Li (@SduduzoG) March 6, 2017
#HandsOffSocialMedia
Dear ANC go ahead & regulate & see how y’all be like this come 2019. pic.twitter.com/rUgPqBQt5q— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) March 6, 2017
#HandsOffSocialMedia How will @bonang_m and @akaworldwide break up and make up without Twitter. We know they don’t cal each other but twit. pic.twitter.com/w9XAFPIRCd
— e’ tu brute^ (@drsmindlo) March 6, 2017
