Communicators from across South Africa’s social development sector have gathered in Cape Town for the National Communicators’ Forum aimed at strengthening government communication.
Officials from the Department of Social Development, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the National Development Agency (NDA), provincial social development departments and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) are attending the forum.
The meeting focuses on aligning communication strategies and sharing best practices so government programmes and social services are communicated more effectively to communities.
What happened
The National Communicators’ Forum is currently underway in Cape Town, bringing together communication teams from agencies responsible for social support and development programmes.
According to the Department of Social Development, the forum aims to strengthen collaboration across the sector while improving how information about social services reaches the public.
The discussions include coordination between national and provincial departments as well as agencies such as SASSA and the NDA.
Official response
Speaking at the forum, Acting Deputy Director-General for Corporate Support Services Xolile Brukwe said communication plays a key role in building trust between government and the public.
“Strategic communication is not merely about sharing information; it is about shaping trust, strengthening credibility and ensuring that the impact of government programmes is visible in the lives of the people we serve,” he said.
Sibusiso Nhlangothi, Acting Regional Executive Manager for SASSA Western Cape, also addressed the forum virtually, highlighting the importance of collaboration across the sector.
“Communication can make or break an organisation,” he said, adding that stronger cooperation between the Department of Social Development, SASSA and the NDA is needed to ensure government communicates its services effectively.
Community impact
Officials say clearer and coordinated messaging can help communities better understand and access social services and support programmes.
During the forum, the Department of Social Development’s Acting Head of Communication, Sandy Godlwana, presented a five-year Sector Communication Strategy aimed at aligning messaging across the department, SASSA, the NDA and provincial departments.
The strategy focuses on collaboration, consistent messaging and sharing the impact of social services that support vulnerable communities across the country.
What happens next
The forum will continue discussions on improving sector communication and strengthening coordination between agencies responsible for delivering social development programmes.
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