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Local Government Communicators met in East London on 4 December 2025 to strengthen election messaging and improve coordination across the Eastern Cape. The two-day forum took place at the South African Local Government Agency( SALGA) Offices and brought together COGTA Eastern Cape, GCIS Eastern Cape, SALGA Eastern Cape, and the Pan South African Language Board.
Forum Outlines Election Communication Priorities
The forum presented the Communication Action Plan for the upcoming Local Government Elections. The plan guides municipalities on how to communicate clearly, report accurately, and provide timely updates to residents. Communicators also received updated Government Communication Policy guidelines, focusing on accountability, community access to information, and consistent messaging across all platforms.
A dedicated session on Linguistic Human Rights Empowerment stressed the need for municipalities to provide information in accessible, multilingual formats. Speakers emphasized that clear language improves service delivery and strengthens public trust.
SALGA Launches Service Delivery Profiling Campaign
SALGA Provincial Director Mr Sonwabo Gqegqe introduced the new Service Delivery Profiling Campaign, which uses podcasts to show local government stories. He urged municipalities to share content, collaborate on storytelling, and use the platform to showcase community impact.
Gqegqe said the podcast series will make it easier for residents to follow service delivery updates on mobile devices. He added that storytelling remains essential for connecting municipalities with the public.
Strengthening Local Government Communication
Delegates closed the forum with a commitment to improve communication strategies ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. They agreed to work together, enhance reporting, and maintain clear engagement with communities across the province.
