The Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) convened its annual Communication Action Plan Review session on Wednesday to assess and refine its communication strategy for the 2025/2026 financial year. The platform brings together municipal leadership, provincial departments, and strategic communication partners to align messaging priorities and enhance the district’s public engagement framework.
The Communication Action Plan is a key instrument used by the municipality to engage communities, stakeholders, and the broader public on government programmes, service delivery progress, and planned interventions. It leverages multimedia tools — from face-to-face engagements and stakeholder briefings to digital platforms, traditional media, and internal communication channels.
Strengthening Public Communication
Speaking at the session, ANDM Executive Mayor Cllr. Vukile Mhlelembana emphasized the importance of unified and effective messaging.
“This is a platform for us to engage and discuss how we can improve our brand, who we are, and also look at ways to communicate the service delivery work we are doing in communities,” said Mayor Mhlelembana.
The review focused on aligning the district’s communication priorities with the seven key government priorities, and preparing the messaging strategy ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Key objectives of the plan include:
- Aggressively communicating government programmes of action
- Providing communication support to local municipalities, departments, and civil society
- Improving brand positioning of the district and its four local municipalities
- Strengthening internal communication across municipal structures
- Ensuring public access to timely, clear, and non-partisan information
Focus on Crisis and Election Communication
Representatives from national and provincial communication bodies contributed valuable insights.
Mr. Ndyebo Kopo from GCIS presented on the Communication Approach Towards the 2026 Local Government Elections, focusing on trust-building and transparency.
Ms. Thando Sonjica of Provincial CoGTA delivered a session on Crisis Communication in the lead-up to elections, highlighting the need for preparedness in an age of rapid information dissemination.
The session was expertly facilitated by Ms. Sandiswa Pholo from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
A Proactive, Inclusive Strategy
The ANDM Communication Action Plan aims to ensure that every resident — from rural villages to urban centers — has access to accurate and relevant information about the municipality’s work and services. By involving provincial departments like CoGTA Eastern Cape, GCIS, and SALGA, the District is laying the foundation for improved accountability and deeper citizen participation.
The updated plan is expected to be finalised and adopted for implementation in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with measurable outcomes to track performance in both internal and external communication.
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