SWAKOPMUND – The Minister of Information and Communicat ion Technology, Peya Mushelenga has urged government public relations and communication officers to adapt to the new trends of information sharing and the use of social media.
Mushelenga was speaking at the official opening of the five-day progress review workshop for government communication officers on implementing the government communication strategy (GCS) with all offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs), regional councils and local authorities, that started on Monday in Swakopmund.
The purpose of the five-day engagement is to ensure the communication officers stay up-to-date with the GCS to provide access to information to people timely.
According to the minister, in the age of social media, public institutions face the daunting challenge of how best to use emerging digital media ecosystems to communicate with the targe population and stakeholders.
“Over the years, social media has emerged as a game-changer in communicating with our stakeholders. This makes it important for us to further develop the draft social media guidelines that will guide us on what to post and when, how to respond to comments and handle sensitive information in a manner consistent with our democratic norms and culture encompassing consistency, transparency and effective governance,” Mushelenga explained.
Hence he said the workshop also grants an opportunity for communication officers to reflect and take stock of expectations and what should be done during these current financial situations.
“This is so that we do not lose sight of what is expected from us as government communication officers. This mandate becomes increasingly critical now that the Access to Information Act 8 of 2022 is about to be implemented.
“In this regard, I wish to implore all of you to recognise the importance and constitutional role placed on you of ensuring that our communication channels are up-to-date, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people,” he urged.
The workshop is also expected to develop and adopt the social media user guidelines, which will serve as a blueprint for the government’s online communications to ensure consistency and standardisation across all ministries, regional councils and local authorities.
It will further serve as the overall framework for all public institutions to use as an operational tool and guideline in line with Harambee Prosperity Plan I and II in areas of good governance, transparency and accountability.