Cape Town – Communications Minister, Faith Muthambi, says engaging with members of the public is an important platform that the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has put high on its agenda.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the debate on the GCIS Budget Vote in Parliament, the minister said the recently launched National Imbizo Focus Week will help government communicate the good story of South Africa and enable members of the public to give their views on service delivery progress.
Minister Muthambi launched the National Imbizo Focus Week in Limpopo over the weekend which will see ministers visiting communities across the country.
She said the Imbizo platform was important as it allowed citizens to have face-to-face contact with their leaders.
“We consider it as the bedrock of government. Face-to-face engagement with citizens creates an opportunity for people from all walks of life to share their ideas and frustrations with local, provincial and national leadership,” she said.
President Jacob Zuma has signed a proclamation to de-establish the GCIS and establish the Department of Communications. This new department combines the GCIS with Brand South Africa, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation(SABC) under one ministry.
The minister said GCIS would deal with the branding of the country, as South Africa had a good story to tell. This story should be communicated to as many people as possible.
“Brand South Africa has provided us with a comprehensive report as we celebrate 20 Years of Freedom, and it is inspiring to know that 91% of the population is proud to be South African, and 85% of the population believes that South Africa is competitive, innovative and capable of achieving greatness as a country,” she said.
Brand South Africa, which falls under the Department of Communications, was established in August 2002 to help create a positive and compelling brand image for South Africa.
GCIS exceeds its targets
Meanwhile, the minister said GCIS had exceeded most of its expectations in the previous financial year.
She said GCIS had performed well in the 2013/14 financial year and, due to good management, was given yet another unqualified audit.
The department had complied with all the legislative requirements as prescribed by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and tabled its annual report to Parliament on time.
“It is also pleasing to announce that 94% of the staff signed performance agreements for the year 2013/14 and that they exceeded the 90% target for the year,” she said.
GCIS had gone the extra mile in implementing it’s strategic communications targets, rolling out 2961 development communications projects and holding 346 public participation events around the country.
GCIS also held 654 marketing events around the country. – SAnews.gov.za
