Pretoria: 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, 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.
Currin highlighted the significant impact communication has in today’s world, referencing the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of misinformation during that time. He noted that misinformation created confusion and resistance to life-saving interventions. On a global scale, he spoke about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, illustrating how communications shape geopolitical realities and influence international opinion.
The programme aims to professionalise government communications across all spheres, equipping communicators with necessary skills and tools for navigating complex environments. Currin stressed the importance of strategic planning and crafting meaningful messages aligned with government priorities. He also emphasized the need to counter misinformation and build public trust through transparency and consistency.
Speaking to SAnews, Craig Jansen from the National School of Government (NSG) shared insights into the development of the course, which started in 2021. A pilot programme was run in 2024-25 at the GCIS, proving successful. Four groups have been trained so far, amounting to approximately 100 officials, including Media Liaison Officers and Heads of Communication in various government departments.
The programme is set to be officially launched in May by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the government communication system. It is designed to equip communicators and managers with the skills and knowledge to effectively communicate government programmes, achievements, and opportunities to the South African public.
Additionally, the course aims to foster a service-oriented culture within public sector and state-owned enterprises, enhancing understanding of government communication processes and encouraging professional behaviour. The NSG is tasked with ensuring public servants comply with legislation, regulations, and systems, promoting discretion and innovation in solving delivery problems.
