Tele-evangelism, tele-health and cyberbullying in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The outbreak of the latest global epidemic, COVID-19, has ushered in a new era, not only on the African continent, but globally. The nature of the epidemic has compelled human communities to adjust to the “new normal.” This necessitates restricted movement in the form of social and physical distancing, self-quarantine and wearing protective gear, among other measures. With special reference to the Karanga-Shona people in Zimbabwe, this chapter draws insights from Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model and the African ethic of Ubuntu/Unhu as lenses for reflecting on how COVID-19 has impacted on social relationships, particularly family interactions in African communities. As human communities grapple to adapt to the “new normal, " there has also been an increased use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) worldwide. As such, the chapter seeks to delineate how the use of ICT, particularly social media, tele-evangelism and tele-health services have tried to bridge the gap created by social distancing measures. As more people stay at home for a longer period and have ample time to utilise ICT, this has inadvertently unleashed the problem of cyberbullying. The first part of the chapter discusses how ICT use, particularly social media, tele-evangelism and tele-health services are playing a formidable role in maintaining social ties as well as preserving health and well-being. The second part reflects on how the prescribed methods to contain the COVID-19 epidemic have disrupted social networks in African communities. The last part of the chapter discusses the unfortunate proliferation of cyberbullying amidst the self-quarantining, social and physical distancing era. The chapter concludes by foregrounding the need for African communities to continue preserving and practising the principles of Ubuntu/Unhu whilst embracing realistic and practical adjustments so as to protect and preserve lives in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic.