Earlier this month, social media platforms went into a frenzy after a large sign of the phrase ‘Don’t Panic’ emerged on Table Mountain – Hollywood style. Shortly after, another video emerged on the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg and a similarly iconic building in the Mother City.
There were also reports of ‘Don’t Panic’ signs popping up on street lamps, in newspapers and as randomly placed stickers across the country.
Heads were scratched, questions were asked and theories were formulated. But there seemed to be no answer in sight.
Also read: Update: Another ‘Don’t Panic’ sign emerges in South Africa
Well, folks, the secret is finally out.
In a genius marketing initiative, local tech startup Namola strategically stationed ‘Don’t Panic’ messages in key areas across the country to build awareness of its nifty and life-saving safety app in a way that would resonate with Saffas, who love a bit of humour and intrigue.
‘With panic being something familiar to most of us, people responded to this public-service-anouncement-like initiative perfectly,’ says Namola.
While some theories of who the masterminds behind the signs included aliens, artificial intelligence, political parties, loadshedding and telcos, the recurring question remained: What should we not be panicking about?
‘If you strip away clever marketing tactics and quirky comments from this campaign and broaden your view of the sentiment of the people, you’re left with the notion of citizens, brands and businesses that actually want to impact the narrative of our country for the better,’ the locally-produced safety app explains.
‘Whether through public-private partnerships or individual initiatives, the thing is to not panic, and rather to do something,’ adds Namola. ‘There is no use to being swept up by the melancholy. South Africa is too big and too beautiful for that.’
So, to lay the theories to bed and to stop the head-scratching, Namola offers the signs’ underlying message: ‘Go out there, do the things, make a change and, most importantly, Don’t Panic’.
Suffice it to say, they got us good.
Launched in 2016, Namola started as a gov-tech partnership to enable a faster and more efficient response between the SAPS and the Tshwane community before evolving into a smartphone safety app that is actively used by more than half a million South Africans.
Namola connects users to the largest network of public, private and neighbourhood emergency responders and offers state-of-the-art location-sharing technology and ‘Namola Communities’.
The safety app has also developed innovative features such as Smart Alerts and Sensitive Incidents to offer its users the ability to know where their loved ones are or call for help without making a sound.
Don’t Panic, with Namola.
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Picture: Namola / Facebook
