Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has hailed an engagement with the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council on Thursday as “successful” - signifying a step forward in ensuring unified government communication, strengthening nation branding, and boosting community media support across the province.
The Deputy Minister met with the council in East London, and was accompanied to the province by delegates from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand South Africa (Brand SA) - where discussions around the Government Communication Policy ensued.
The engagement follows similar sessions held with four other provinces and is aimed at bolstering coordination of government communication, nation branding, and community media support in the province.
“We are quite elated with how the provincial executive council has responded to our engagements and we look forward to a collaboration between GCIS, the province of the Eastern Cape, together with our entities Brand SA and MDDA.
“There is common understanding in how the Government Communication Policy will be implemented. As we wrap up these engagements, we will also present an implementation plan before Cabinet. But we can say, with certainty that we are quite encouraged by how the discussions have ensued and the support given to the Government Communication Policy by the Eastern Cape provincial government,” Morolong told the media on the sidelines of the session.
Speaking directly to the provincial council, Morolong described the policy as “our marching orders” which set out the rules, procedures and processes for government communication.
“The policy is aligned with MTDP 2025 and recognises communication as a strategic enabler of a capable, ethical and developmental state by strengthening citizen participation, promoting transparency and accountability. But also fostering social cohesion and ensuring that all South Africans have access to timely, accurate and reliable government information.
“This policy is our marching orders as it provides a coherent framework, particularly for ensuring that all spheres of government communicate in a consistent and coordinated manner while remaining responsive to the diverse needs of our people,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that the policy recognises communication and “citizen engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy” and advocates for 30% of the GCIS advertising spend to be geared towards community media.
“Your insights and leadership will be invaluable as we consider the implementation of this policy within the context of the Eastern Cape’s unique characteristics, opportunities and challenges,” Morolong said. – SAnews.gov.za
