Xbox Gaming in South Africa

If you had plans of getting all Social Networky on your Xbox 360 in the near future, those plans are all but out of the window unless you are an Xbox LIVE Gold member. Microsoft put the issue to bed today in a comment to VG247:

Facebook and Twitter on Xbox LIVE will be free to Gold members, with a free trial period also available for Silver members. Facebook and Twitter on Xbox LIVE will offer a truly one-of-a-kind social experience, completely optimized for the TV and seamlessly integrated onto your console. Add to that exclusive access to Last.fm, Netflix instant streaming, demos, trailers and discounts, plus the best multiplayer gaming network on the planet, and we’re confident Xbox LIVE Gold memberships is hands-down the best value in home entertainment. We're committed to adding new features and value for our Gold members, and will continue to do so.

Just another reason to bite the bullet and go Gold if you haven't yet.