A wave of reactions has spread following the release of a video by the well-known American YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, who has more than 207 million followers on YouTube, in which he claims to have built 100 water wells in several African countries. The initiative, which promises to provide drinking water to about half a million people in Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, has drawn both praise and criticism.
Kenyan activists and journalists point out that MrBeast's action highlights the failings of the Kenyan government. For his part, the independent journalist Ferdinand Omondi said it is embarrassing for a YouTuber to carry out tasks that should have been fulfilled with citizens' taxes.
Donaldson's initiative was not limited to building wells. The ten-minute video also shows the donation of materials to Kenyan schools, the construction of a bridge to safely connect a village to local schools and hospitals, and the gift of bicycles to a village in Zimbabwe to make it easier for children to access education.
Despite the laudable efforts, Saran Kaba Jones, founder and CEO of FACE Africa, an organisation that works to improve water and sanitation infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed frustration that, after years of hard work, attention suddenly turns to an individual with a large platform. She warned of the issue of the sustainability of such initiatives, emphasising the importance of long-term maintenance of the infrastructure created.
This initiative resonates particularly in Mozambique, where, as in the countries mentioned, many communities still face serious difficulties in accessing drinking water. This case becomes an example that could inspire similar actions and foster a wider discussion about governments' responsibilities in guaranteeing their citizens' basic rights.
Francis Gaitho, an aspiring Kenyan politician, criticised Donaldson's video, claiming that it perpetuates the stereotype that Africa is dependent on outside aid and philanthropic intervention, a comment that has also drawn criticism.
With more than 207 million subscribers, MrBeast is one of the most popular content creators on YouTube, known for his philanthropic actions. These initiatives have helped him build a business empire and gain recognition to the point of being named by Time magazine as one of the most influential people of 2023.
Although some earlier criticism accuses Donaldson of exploiting vulnerable people to generate views and revenue, he reiterates that his aim is always to use his channel to help people and to inspire his audience to do the same. To watch the video that has been at the centre of this wide-ranging discussion, you can follow the link: https://youtu.be/mwKJfNYwvm8?si=muArE9ksMXdJesgK.
