Pietermaritzburg – Communications Minister Faith Muthambi says at the heart of the information revolution will be the conceptualisation of communicator’s work as development work.
“As government communicators, we are serving a development state with a development agenda. Communications must aid development of our communities and people. This approach to communications will empower and inform our people through our work going forward,” she said.
The Minister was speaking to KwaZulu-Natal provincial government communicators during a Ministerial Outreach Imbizo in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.
This approach, according to the Minister, will inform how government will be connecting with people.
Minister Muthambi said the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Communications and Publicity, as well as the soon-to-be-launched Presidential Working Group on Communications and Media were huge steps in the direction of an information revolution.
She urged communicators to make their input on how such platforms can accelerate the agenda of an information revolution.
Last month, President Jacob Zuma announced that government will soon establish the Presidential Working Group on Communications and Media whereby media and government can share ideas on various issues.
Recently, Minister Muthambi appointed a National Communications Task Team to advise her on all matters relating to the new portfolio of communications.
She urged communicators to make their input to the task team which will guide communications work going forward.
Minister Muthambi reminded communicators that they were the eyes and ears of government and should provide guidance and solutions to the needs of the people.
The Minister said when service delivery protests occurred, communicators should know specifically what the issues are and provide guidance and solutions to the needs of the people.
She added that protests were painted as a rebellion against the administration rather than an expression of democracy at work.
“You must be the first with the narrative of why these protests are happening and what government is doing to resolve them,” she said.
With regard to improving relationships with the media, the Minister said: “Our approach must be multi-pronged. We have to pay attention to our relationship with the media.”
She urged communicators to ensure that their websites are regularly updated so they become a source of credible and updated information, returning journalist calls and ensuring access to their principals where necessary.
“I am calling on all of you to go back to basics in improving government communications to be visible, impactful and meaningful.” - SAnews.gov.za
