Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Deputy Director-General Michael Currin has urged government communicators to uphold ethical communication, integrity, honesty and professionalism at all times.
“We are not merely conveyors of information; we are the bridge between government and the citizens we serve,” he said on Friday.
Currin was addressing participants of the Mastering the Art of Government Communication course, hosted jointly by GCIS and the National School of Government at the GCIS head office in Pretoria.
He emphasised that the work of government communicators plays a critical role in shaping public understanding, building trust and supporting effective service delivery.
“We are operating in a time where communication can either stabilise a nation or deepen uncertainty. We have seen this both locally and globally,” Currin said.
He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of misinformation created confusion and, at times, resistance to life-saving interventions.
“False claims about vaccines, treatments, and government interventions circulated widely, demonstrating how quickly unverified information can influence public behaviour.
“On the global stage, we continue to witness how communications shape geopolitical realities. The Russia-Ukraine war is not only being fought on the battlefield but also in the information space where narratives, propaganda and information influence international opinion and police decisions,” Currin said.
Currin explained that the purpose of the programme is to professionalise government communications across all spheres and to equip communicators with the skills and tools needed to navigate complex and often volatile environments.
“It is about strengthening our ability to plan strategically, craft meaningful messages and ensure alignment with broader government priorities. These are not just technical skills, they are essential capabilities that enable us to communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose,” he said.
Currin stressed the importance of recognising the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation.
“As communicators, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified information. This requires us to be proactive, vigilant, and responsive.
“It also calls on us to use platforms effectively to counter false narratives and to build public trust through transparency and consistency,” he said.
Speaking to SAnews, Craig Jansen from the National School of Government (NSG) said the development of the course started in 2021.
“In 2024-25, we ran a pilot programme at the GCIS, and it was successful,” Jansen said.
Four groups have been trained so far.
“To date, we have trained approximately 100 officials in various capacities, these include Media Liaison Officers (MLOs) and Heads of Communication in various government departments. Invitations were extended to managers in the public sector,” Jansen said.
The programme will be officially launched in May this year by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi.
It marks a significant milestone in strengthening the government communication system.
It is designed to equip communicators and managers with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively communicate government programmes, achievements, and opportunities to the people of South Africa.
The course also aims to equip communication practitioners and managers in the public sector and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with knowledge, skills and capabilities to foster a service-oriented culture and ethos.
This includes enhancing understanding of communication processes in government, producing useful information about departmental operations, encouraging professional, honest, and considerate behaviour, and implementing government policies and programmes to improve service delivery.
The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems. – SAnews.gov.za
