Communicators hail GCIS work
Government communicators share their experiences of working with GCIS
Over the years, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has played a pivotal role in the government communication space, providing training to communicators while offering advice and support to various departments on their campaigns.
As GCIS celebrates its 20th anniversary, PSM spoke to several government communicators to give them an opportunity to reflect on their experience of interacting with the Communication System.
Media Relations Manager at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Tshediso Mahlaku believes GCIS has made it easier for government departments and agencies to reach out to the public over the years through its advanced and sophisticated communication technology.
He described GCIS as the allimportant voice of government that enlightens South African society about the progress made in implementing all government programmes.
Mahlaku added that GCIS also provides a relevant platform for the public to engage constructively with government departments regarding their mandates.
“The two-way nature of this engagement enhances the democratic ideal that our government continuously strives for, a government in which the voice of ordinary people plays a critical role,” he said.
“It can only be proper to wish
GCIS a happy 20th anniversary and wish for many more years of success in carrying forward your mandate. Your success as a department is clearly visible in the levels of consciousness of government displayed by ordinary South Africans in their day-to-day discussions. Well done,” said Mahlaku.
Supporting government departments
Former GCIS Director for Media Liaison Bongiwe Gambu has worked at the System for six years and remembers starting her days in Rapid Response meetings where she and colleagues from other units would identify issues in the media that needed further communication by government.
Her unit was in charge of supporting government departments, including the Presidency, in communicating the programme of action of government as well as transversal projects.
Gambu said her exposure to government departments along with the ability to access local and international media, while being able to dip into an extensive media database, are some of the advantages of working for GCIS.
“What I loved most about working at GCIS was the endless opportunities to influence public discourse and inform the nation on how to participate in democracy. It was great to work in such a dynamic organisation that exposed me to so many different opportunities. I also loved the people, the sense of comradeship and the relationships that outlived my time there,” she added.
Gambu said the most meaningful
lesson she learnt at the department was the power of the government communication system when it was running efficiently.
Moving forward, Gambu added that GCIS should adopt a better talent retention strategy and improve succession planning and implementation.
Her message to GCIS is: “May you grow and take your rightful place in government communication and in shaping the lives and experiences of ordinary South Africans through providing information on active participation in our democracy.”
Providing leadership
Group Manager: Marketing and Communication at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Tendani Tsedu said that for the past 20 years GCIS has provided good leadership to government communication and ensured that the public is informed of government's implementation of its mandate.
“With new methods of communication arising, GCIS has an important role to ensure government policies are communicated using these new tools that digital media is bringing to the fore,” he noted.
With regard to the work of his organisation, Tsedu said media coverage of South African science, technology and innovation has been lacking.
“However, there has been a slight increase recently due to the partnerships that GCIS is building with different media houses to ensure that organisations such as CSIR can showcase its capabilities and expertise,” he added.
“I would like to congratulate and commend GCIS for the outstanding role it has played since its inception. Surely it would not have been easy for us as communicators to communicate without the assistance and guidance we receive from GCIS.”
“We also appreciate the community radio platforms provided by GCIS to ensure that we continue to educate and inform the public about our work, especially those in rural areas. Keep it up. Continue informing and educating the nation,” he said.
Guidance and advice
Head of Communications at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform Linda Page, said her experience with GCIS has been positive.
“GCIS provides me with continued support and I have constant interaction with with colleagues through the various communication platforms that they have created,” she said.
Page added that GCIS has provided guidance and advice on strategic communication campaigns, including the provision of services such as media buying and content production, and through this she has gained knowledge and a deeper understanding of the government communications environment.
She stressed the importance of GCIS in the government communication space because government must have a collective voice.
“Government communications is key to nurturing social cohesion and fostering nation building,” said Page.
“Congratulations on reaching your 20th anniversary. May GCIS grow from strength to strength and continue to lead and serve the country with distinction,” she added.