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The Deputy Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Michael Currin, has called on government communicators to maintain ethical communication, honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times.

“We are more than just carriers of information; we act as the link between the government and the people we support,” he stated on Friday.

Currin was speaking to attendees of the Mastering the Art of Government Communication program, which was organized by GCIS and the National School of Government at the GCIS headquarters in Pretoria.

He highlighted that the role of government communicators is essential in influencing public perception, fostering trust, and aiding efficient service provision.

“In a period where communication has the power to either stabilize a country or increase doubt, we have witnessed this both in our local area and around the world,” Currin stated.

He highlighted that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the circulation of false information led to confusion and, on certain occasions, opposition to critical health measures.

Spreading of misleading information regarding vaccines, therapies, and governmental actions was extensive, highlighting how swiftly unreliable data can impact people’s actions.

“On the world stage, we keep seeing how communication influences geopolitical situations. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not just taking place on the battlefield, but also in the information sphere where stories, propaganda, and information affect international perspectives and policy choices,” Currin stated.

Currin stated that the goal of the initiative is to standardize government communication throughout all areas and to provide communicators with the necessary abilities and resources to handle challenging and frequently unstable situations.

“It focuses on enhancing our capacity to develop strategic plans, create impactful messages, and maintain consistency with overall government objectives. These are not merely technical abilities, but crucial competencies that allow us to convey information clearly, confidently, and with intention,” he stated.

Currin emphasized the need to acknowledge the increasing threat posed by false information and deceptive content.

As media professionals, we have the duty to make sure that the public gets correct and confirmed details. This demands that we take initiative, stay alert, and react promptly.

“It also urges us to utilize platforms efficiently to challenge misleading stories and to foster public confidence via openness and regularity,” he stated.

Speaking to SAnews, ;Craig Jansen of the National School of Government (NSG) mentioned that the creation of the course began in 2021.

“In the 2024-25 season, we conducted a trial initiative at the GCIS, and it proved to be effective,” Jansen stated.

Four teams have received training up to this point.

“Up to now, we have trained around 100 officials in different roles, such as Media Liaison Officers (MLOs) and Communication Directors in various government agencies. Invitations were sent to public sector managers,” Jansen stated.

The initiative will be formally introduced in May of this year by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi.

It represents a major step forward in enhancing the government’s communication framework.

It aims to provide communicators and managers with the necessary abilities and understanding to clearly convey government initiatives, successes, and prospects to the citizens of South Africa.

The program seeks to provide communication professionals and managers within the public sector and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with the understanding, abilities, and competencies needed to promote a customer-focused culture and mindset.

This involves improving comprehension of communication procedures within government, generating valuable insights regarding departmental activities, promoting professional, truthful, and respectful conduct, and executing governmental policies and initiatives to enhance the quality of services provided.

The NSG is tasked with the duty of making sure that government employees follow existing laws, rules, and procedures, and are able to use appropriate judgment and creativity in addressing both simple and challenging service issues. –SAnews.gov.za