Morolong Engages KwaZulu-Natal on Revised Government Communication Policy

Johannesburg: Minister in the Presidency responsible for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Kenny Morolong, has underscored the importance of a coordinated and integrated approach to government communication. Speaking during an engagement session with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council on the coordination of government communication, nation branding, and community media support in the province, Morolong stressed that synergy is key to ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all spheres of government. According to South African Government News Agency, the GCIS, Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), and Brand South Africa have undertaken a series of engagements with provinces and other stakeholders to build support for the revised Government Communication Policy. At Wednesday's session, Morolong explained that the policy aims to ensure coherent and coordinated communication across all spheres of government, public entities, and government agencies. He fu rther highlighted the allocation of between three and five percent of government budgets towards communication as one of the key provisions of the revised policy. The policy also places a strong focus on supporting small commercial and community media, with the government expected to set aside 30% of its advertising spend for these media outlets. Morolong emphasized that communication can no longer be an afterthought and must be enhanced through adequate funding. He expressed encouragement by the progress made, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, in advancing the objectives of the revised policy. Morolong also highlighted the role of Brand South Africa in promoting the country domestically and internationally. Discussions with the province identified opportunities for greater collaboration, particularly in promoting KwaZulu-Natal as an economic destination. The government is stepping up efforts to transform the way it communicates with South Africans, focusing on coordinated messaging, adequate funding, and incr eased support for small commercial and community media. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli noted the importance of the meeting in discussing the implementation of the revised Government Communication Policy and strengthening coordination within government. The engagement formed part of the government's ongoing communication policy advocacy programme aimed at strengthening a coordinated and integrated government communication system across all spheres of government. This engagement follows similar sessions held in the North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga as part of a nationwide rollout.