Inspired to learn Portuguese by my father's collection of LPs from late 1960s Brazil. Lived in Brazil, Portugal and East Timor. I am an ex-aidworker, perpetual-novice anthropologist working on projects combining technology, communications and social transformation.
Latest posts by Janet Gunter from December, 2011
Cape Verde: The Musical Legacy of Cesária Évora
After the death of Cesária Évora, symbol of Cape Verdean music, on December 17, there was an abundance of tributes and declarations by her faithful audience from almost every corner of the globe. With the singer and Cape Verde in the spotlight, the blogosphere discussed who might take her place as musical spokeswoman for the country.
Mozambique: On the City of Quelimane, New Epicenter of Politics
Mayoral by-elections in the city of Quelimane, which opposition candidate Manuel de Araújo won, were enthusiastically debated in social networks. Interest in the electoral process went far beyond the provincial city and its repercussions were felt in the capital, Maputo. We document this unexpected end to 2011, an important political moment in Mozambique.
Mozambique: The Irrepressible Facebook Blogger
Mozambique is a country with a few superbloggers and little else to report in terms of consistent expression on the open internet, but with dramatic growth of Facebook (via mobile) one brave personality has risen to the fore in this walled, blue and white world. With his frontal political comment and criticism "Apóstolo da Desgraça" has become a reference, and received threats.
Mozambique: Epic, tweeted land journeys from up north
Járcia Muando (@JarciaMuando), a young communications professional, is currently tweeting her long land journey by bus, minibus and truck from Niassa province to Zambezia province in northern Mozambique. On November 1, journalist Hélder Shirangano (@Shirangano) tweeted his train journey between Nampula and Niassa provinces.
Mozambique: Jubilation with Mayoral Opposition Win
Supporters of opposition mayoral candidate Manuel de Araújo celebrated his victory in by-elections before the official results on Wednesday evening, both on the streets of the central city of Quelimane and Facebook. Araújo is a long-time blogger who led an innovative campaign both online and in real life.
Mozambique: Reasons for Silence of Private TV Channel on Election Day
On a day of important by-elections in Mozambique, journalist José Belmiro, from the private channel STV, announced he would suspend his participation in discussion on Facebook [pt] on the vote for reasons “out of [his] control”. According to a citizen report [pt], during the lunchtime news, STV went off air...
Mozambique: Realtime by-elections coverage from three cities
Mozambican newspaper @ Verdade is liveblogging mayoral by-elections on Facebook (public) and live-tweeting events in realtime from 3 cities, promoting the hashtag #EleicoesMoz. Voter Pedro Massinga (@Mozi1976) tweeted photos from the polls. @ Verdade is also receiving citizen reports on the voting via SMS, tweet, BBM, and email to its...
Angola: First video of police confrontation with protesters
The first videos from Saturday's repressed protest in Luanda surfaced on the channel of Angolan Youtube user ekuikui. “Electricity, water, health and education!” and “They demolished my house, I'm gonna sleep here!” are some of the protest movement's chants.
Angola: Citizen reports of police repression in Luanda slum
Angolan citizen reporters associated with the human rights organization OMUNGA posted an interview today with an activist on the ground in the Cazenga neighborhood of Luanda where police reportedly violently repressed a planned protest against the government earlier in the day. The report mentions injuries and a strong police presence...
Mozambique: Reactions to an Everyday Urban Tragedy
Last week, Mozambican readers of the newspaper @Verdade reacted to the tragic and all-too-normal story of a man who was left to die near a Maputo marketplace after apparently suffering alcohol poisoning. Nearby police allegedly took over 24 hours to react. Residents in the vicinity said they were scared to intervene.
Portugal: Posters on the crisis on Facebook
The Facebook page of the group Artigo 21º (the article of the Portuguese Constitution that details the “right to resist”) has been disseminating original material containing facts related to the austerity measures, with posters like this. It informs “more than 400,000 workers do not make more than 485€ a month”.
