Building an informed citizenry
This month we celebrate 20 years of the existence of Government Communication Information Service (GCIS). This organisation has played an important role in our democracy as it is integral to transparency, communicating the actions of government with our citizens, the media, business and civil society.
Right to information
Freedom of expression, as well as the public’s right to information, form the backbone of any true democracy. The citizens of South Africa have the right to be informed about what their government is doing, as many of these actions have a direct impact on their lives. They also have the right to be heard; to freely express their views on government decisions which may affect them, and to have their concerns taken into consideration.
After the first democratic elections in 1994, one of the new ANC government’s priorities was to put these ideals into action. The principles of freedom of expression, access to information, press freedom and artistic freedom are all enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution. One of the primary reasons for forming GCIS was to ensure that these important rights are promoted and upheld.
The right of access to information is further supported by legislation such as the Promotion of Access to Information Act, which was passed into law in 2000.The Act aims to actively promote a society in which the people of South Africa have effective access to information, which allows them to fully exercise and protect all of their rights.
Background of GCIS
In 1995, Thabo Mbeki (then Deputy President) established the Task Group on Government Communications (Comtask), which was tasked with making recommendations to transform government communications in line with democratic ideals. In 1996, the Comtask team’s final report included no less than 83 recommendations dealing with the structure of government communication, media diversity and access to information.
GCIS was officially launched on 18 May 1998, as the government organisation responsible for implementing and upholding the recommendations made by Comtask.
Over the past 20 years, GCIS has coordinated, guided and advised on government communication including media liaison, development communication and marketing. Its stated mission is to deliver effective strategic government communication; set and influence adherence to standards and coherence of message and – most importantly – proactively communicate with the public about government policies, plans, programmes and achievements.
Dr Essop Pahad’s description of GCIS’s role, as stated in May 1998, still rings true today: “It is to see to it that all South Africans receive comment and information that enable them to make rational choices about their lives. It is to see to it that they themselves can pass on information and views about their activities as they change their lives for the better. They have got the right to know, and to be heard,” he said at the time.
For 20 years GCIS has played a key role in keeping South Africans informed about government's work.We applaud the department for the sterling work it has done with the limited resources at its disposal. Long may it continue.