American YouTuber MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, has recently come under the spotlight for his latest humanitarian endeavor - building 100 wells across Africa.
Published on Saturday, his video detailing this achievement has elicited a range of responses online.
The project, aimed at providing clean drinking water for up to 500,000 people in Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, has been lauded for spotlighting governmental failures in Kenya.
Alongside the construction of wells, Donaldson's 10-minute video features his contributions to Kenyan schools, including new furniture, computers, and sports equipment, as well as infrastructural developments like a bridge and bicycles for a Zimbabwean village.
However, the initiative has not been without criticism. Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi took to X (formerly Twitter) to contrast Donaldson's actions with the Kenyan government's, labeling the country as a “begging nation governed by millionaires.”
Freelance journalist Ferdinand Omondi echoed these sentiments, pointing out the irony of a YouTuber completing tasks that should have been managed by government-funded programs.
Saran Kaba Jones, CEO of FACE Africa, expressed mixed feelings. While acknowledging Donaldson's role in bringing attention to the need for clean water, she raised concerns about the sustainability of such projects.
Jones highlighted that 60% of wells in some areas become non-functional due to lack of maintenance infrastructure, hoping that Donaldson's efforts included provisions for long-term upkeep.
Despite the positive impact, Donaldson anticipates backlash, stating on X that he expects to be "canceled" for his actions but remains indifferent, emphasizing his commitment to using his platform for philanthropy.
This initiative is part of Donaldson's larger philanthropic portfolio, which includes sponsoring surgeries for blind people and providing prosthetic limbs for amputees.
His efforts have not only amassed over 200 million subscribers on YouTube but also built a business empire potentially valued at over $1 billion. Time magazine recognized his influence by naming him one of the most influential people in 2023.
However, Donaldson's methods have been questioned, with some accusing him of exploiting vulnerable individuals for views and revenue.
Despite these allegations, Donaldson remains steadfast in his mission, asserting that he will continue to use his channel for positive impact and inspire his audience to do the same.
Watch Mr. Beast build 100 wells in Africa right below:
