Page 23 - Blue Valley Issue 5 2020 print.pdf

SOCIAL MEDIA

WHATSAPP GROUPS IN BLUE VALLEY

n one of our previous issues, we addressed some concerns of the social • Always ask someone if you may add them before doing this.
media platforms used in Blue Valley. We would like to advise residents • If someone asks a question of a personal nature (like asking for advice)
Ithat these informal groups have become a platform for conflict and do not respond if someone else has already answered, or else respond
contestation and are being used by residents to drive their own personal to the person directly in a private message.
agendas. • The group is not a political platform. No arguing, no heated opinions,
no fear mongering, no hyped-up drama, no arbitrary comments, no
These groups are not administered by the HOA and none of the HOA fake news. Check your sources before you share.
staff, management or directors are involved in these groups in any way • Do not send insensitive messages or photographs.
whatsoever. Several incidents of fake news, incitement, threats and • To save your sanity hit “Mute” on your WhatsApp group. You will still
intimidation and some controversial and defamatory views have been receive all the messages, but your phone won’t buzz or make a noise
published on these social media groups. for every one of them.

Social media, including WhatsApp groups, are recognised public platforms
and according to legal experts in South Africa, the administrators of Ask yourself these three questions before you post:
these groups can be held legally responsible for the content on these 1. Is this relevant?
chats whether they approve of it or not. The BVHOA again distances itself 2. Is this necessary?
from these informal chat groups due to the unregulated nature of the
participants and the inability of the group admin to moderate the chats. 3. Is this a good time to post?
The Directors of the BVHOA do not condone anti-social behaviour of any
kind and request that residents rather use the official platforms such as
email and EstateMate app to log any incidents or raise any issues. These We always appreciate your messages relating to service delivery for the
incidents are regularly monitored, assigned to the correct person/s and a improvement of our estate. BV
report back is initiated.

To help with this perpetual problem, we thought we’d put together a list
of “Golden Rules” for WhatsApp groups everywhere. Feel free to share it For any related queries or concerns please contact:
with your WhatsApp groups, send it on to new members, and make sure BVHOA - 011 318 1899 or email: ƌĞĐĞƉƟŽŶΛďǀŚŽĂ͘ĐŽ͘njĂ
everyone knows exactly what is and isn’t acceptable on your WhatsApp BVHOA Security Control Room (24 hours) - 011 512 0856 / 060 586 9406
group. or email Robert Hlongwane - ƐĞĐƵƌŝƚLJĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌΛďǀŚŽĂ͘ĐŽ͘njĂ
Pulane Baloyi Admin & Communications Manager - 011 318 1899 or
Some Golden Rules for WhatsApp Groups: email: admin_communications@bvhoa.co.za
• Never EVER use a group to berate someone else or air grievances. If you
have an issue, address it one on one with the relevant person.

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 5 2020 • 21