🇿🇦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.
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