FPB to partner with the hawks, Facebook, Google SA and other key partners to raise awareness about cyber safety and to combat piracy on safer internet day

6th February 2017

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The Film and Publication Board (FPB) is excited to partner with the Hawks, Facebook, UNISA, Google SA and Media Monitoring Africa, in the North West province as part of joint activities to mark Safer Internet Day (SID) taking place on 07 February with a theme of ‘Be the change: Unite for a better Internet’.

The collaboration will see both organisations raise awareness on cyber safety issues particularly amongst youth and join forces to combat piracy of counterfeit DVD’s. “Each year the FPB partners with key organisations as part of its awareness-raising efforts to promote a safer Internet for all users, especially young people. This year we’re excited to engage citizens in Mafikeng and are pleased to have the Hawks, Facebook and UNISA on board for the first time. These are critical partners and with Facebook being a very popular social media platform with youth, we can continue to effectively educate young people, parents and community members about responsible online behaviour. Coupled with this, we will also be hosting a Walkathon around the Mafikeng community to mobilise community members and emplore them to join the FPB and partners in ensuring a safer Internet for all ,” says Ms Raftopoulos, Manager Communications and Public Education at the FPB.

The FPB chairs the SID Committee in South Africa, where we will be one of over 100 countries worldwide marking the day with various activities. An added element this year will be the combating of piracy with the Hawks. “Through collaborations with the FPB, we aim to combat piracy across the country,” says Major General Mbana of the Hawks.

“In 2016, we invited the FPB’s Compliance Monitoring Unit to a joint operation in Mafikeng to enforce compliance. The joint operation resulted in seven cases being opened with seven people arrested for contravening the Films and Publications Act. A total of 1326 DVD’s were confiscated with a total street value of R 132 000 and we are looking forward to working with the FPB in other provinces to conduct anti piracy exercise, but also educate communities about the need for them to be responsible and not purchase illegal content that is distributed physically or online,” states Major General Mbana of the Hawks.

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FPB’s research shows that digital streams of media distribution and consumption are gaining popularity in South Africa. Internet access is itself a driver of these trends which is also available through mobile devices including smart phones. Findings of research conducted by the FPB in Mafikeng showed that 51% of the population has access to the internet. In another research conducted in four provinces, including Mafikeng, findings showed that the rates of availability of Smartphone’s amongst learners is 90%. So vigilance is critical by parents, teachers and guardians and they must monitor Internet usage by youth in their care.

Safer Internet Day Programme

Venue: Mmabatho Convention Centre

Date: 7 February 2017

Time: 08:30 to 14:30

Partners will conduct interactive sessions with educators, learners, parents and members of the community.
120 learners from the following schools will be engaged by the partners in interactive sessions:
Mafikeng High School
Mmabatho High School
Letsatsing High School
Golf View Combined School
Sol Plaatjie High School
Batswana High School
Surveys will be conducted with learners and partners by the FPB Research team
The day will conclude with a walkathon where participants of the programme will unite and pledge to be champions for change and use the Internet responsibility