🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
GCIS urges government communicators to combat misinformation and disinformation
via The Citizen2 min read
Michael Currin, Deputy Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System GCIS, emphasized the crucial role of government communicators in shaping public understanding, building trust, and supporting effective service delivery. Speaking at the Mastering the Art of Government Communication course in Pretoria, Currin highlighted that communication can either stabilize or destabilize societies, particularly in an era rife with misinformation and disinformation. He cited the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war as examples where false information and narratives significantly influenced public behavior and geopolitical realities. Currin stressed that communicators act as a bridge between government and citizens and must uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism. The course, a joint initiative by GCIS and the National School of Government, aims to professionalize government communication and equip officials with skills to operate in volatile information environments. Craig Jansen from the National School of Government noted that a pilot program in 2024/25 was successful, training approximately 100 officials, including Media Liaison Officers and Heads of Communication. The program is slated for official launch in May by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
The Supreme Court of Appeal SCA has directed the Gauteng Health MEC to compensate a woman, identified as C.B.M., for the removal of her uterus following complications during childbirth. The ruling partially upheld an appeal by the MEC against an earlier Gauteng High Court decision. C.B.M. sought medical assistance in April 2016 and was referred to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, where she underwent an urgent caesarean section due to detected complications. She experienced severe postpartum haemorrhage, leading doctors to perform an emergency hysterectomy to save her life. C.B.M. subsequently initiated legal proceedings, alleging substandard medical care led to the loss of her uterus. The SCA found that while some of C.B.M.'s claims were rejected, she is entitled to damages related to the hysterectomy. The court criticized the testimony of C.B.M.'s expert witness, Dr Mpho Stella Pooe, due to her suspension by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and her failure to disclose it. Conversely, the testimony of Dr Anne Manthata-Cruywagen, the MEC's expert witness, was found to be well-reasoned. The SCA noted a high probability against a hysterectomy being necessary in an ordinary caesarean unless there was a culpable mistake, and also criticized the MEC's legal team for not calling the operating doctors to testify. The Gauteng Health MEC was ordered to pay damages for the loss of the uterus and the legal costs of the appeal.
The Special Investigating Unit SIU has revealed significant maladministration, unauthorized bursary awards, and irregular expenditure within the Free State Office of the Premier OTP concerning bursary funds from 2017 to 2018. The investigation, prompted by the Auditor-General of South Africa AGSA, found that officials negligently approved bursaries, failed to adhere to eligibility criteria, and irregularly extended contracts. Bursaries were awarded to relatives of officials, deceased individuals, foreign nationals, and ineligible officials, with millions in university accounts remaining unaccounted for. Specific instances include an official awarding bursaries to relatives without due process, another receiving funding despite not meeting requirements, and an official continuing to receive international bursary benefits after resigning. The SIU also found an irregular expenditure of over R8.3 million due to the OTP contributing 65% instead of 35% to an international scholarship, which the SIU is now seeking to recover. Some students who failed modules had their bursary contracts extended from three to seven years, and bursaries were awarded for qualifications not in the Provincial Workplace Skills Plan. A deceased student received bursaries from both the OTP and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Nsfas, with payments continuing after his death. Seven foreign nationals received bursaries despite the policy requiring South African citizenship, leading to R576,734.48 in e
The ANC has been accused of removing Emfuleni Local Municipality mayor Sipho Radebe not due to service delivery failures, but because the Democratic Alliance DA won its first fully black ward in the municipality. The DA secured Ward 28 in Evaton in a recent by-election, indicating a shift in voting patterns within what was considered an ANC stronghold. Following the DA's victory, the municipality and the ANC announced Radebe's resignation, citing service delivery issues. However, Duncan Mthembu, the DA's caucus leader in Emfuleni, stated that the ANC only acted against Radebe after losing Ward 28. Mthembu highlighted that the DA had previously raised concerns about Radebe's performance and even brought a motion of no confidence against him in 2023, which the ANC defended at the time. He asserted that the ANC prioritizes power over people. Meanwhile, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula attributed Emfuleni's service delivery problems to coalition politics, stating the ANC is not in outright governance there. Mbalula mentioned an ANC action plan to revive struggling municipalities and acknowledged that some deployed officials have failed to carry out their duties, compromising public trust.
Must ReadPresident Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the National Assembly on Tuesday to deliver the 2026/2027 Presidency Budget Vote. This budget aims to drive economic growth, address poverty, and strengthen South Africa's governance under the Government of National Unity. Ramaphosa returns to Parliament amidst political tensions and a pending Section 89 impeachment inquiry. The Presidency stated that the Budget Vote includes allocations for key sub-departments such as the State Security Agency, the Government Communication and Information System, and Statistics South Africa. Priorities for this year's Budget Vote include an intelligence-led approach to dismantle criminal networks, coordinating government communication, and modernizing national statistics to combat misinformation and support evidence-based decision-making. Following the address, a debate among Members of Parliament will take place, to which Ramaphosa will reply on Wednesday. The Presidency emphasized that the Budget Vote tabling serves as a mechanism for parliamentary checks and balances and public accountability regarding the allocation of public funds. During his State of the Nation address in February, Ramaphosa highlighted the focus for 2026 on intensifying the fight against organized crime and criminal syndicates using technology, intelligence, and integrated law enforcement. Opposition parties urged Ramaphosa to ensure his commitments are fulfilled, especially concerning the country's digital divide. Ram