In response to media reports of comments by the Democratic Alliance on the publication of a summary of government's Ten Year Review, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) wishes to clarify the situation.
Towards Ten Years of Freedom, the summary of government's review of its performance over the first decade of freedom was published in English in October last year shortly after The Presidency completed the report. Translation and production of the summary in all the other official languages, initiated at that time, has now been completed. The publication is being distributed through channels that are effective in reaching people preferring to receive government information in those languages.
In doing this GCIS is fulfilling its mandate to keep the public informed of the programmes of government. At all times, both during and outside election periods, GCIS will ensure that its actions conform to the prescripts of the Public Service Regulations and the country's laws regarding the conduct of public institutions.
During a previous election a similar campaign was waged by some of the opposition parties. As Dene Smuts is aware, GCIS's explanation of its policy and practice was accepted by the Public Protector.
The challenge, which government communicators now face, is to ensure that the contents of the President's State of the Nation Address are as widely disseminated to citizens as possible. GCIS will not be deterred from meeting its obligations to the public and will not be drawn into this kind of electioneering gimmick.
Enquiries
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)