Deputy Director General Michael Currin: Mastering The Art Of Government Communication Course

Address By The Deputy Director General Michael Currin On The Government Communication And Information System (GCIS): Mastering The Art Of Government Communication (MAGC) Course

Programme Director,
Senior Management,
GCIS Colleagues
National School of Government Colleagues
The Facilitator,
Government Communicators from departments and provinces
Distinguished Guests,
Colleagues,

Good morning.

At the outset, allow me to acknowledge the pilot team of 2024, whose work laid a solid foundation for this programme. In addition, I wish to recognise the Northern Cape Province for successfully hosting the first full block last year. Collectively, your efforts have brought us to this important milestone.

It is therefore a privilege to welcome you to the Mastering the Art of Government Communication programme.

Importantly, your presence here is not incidental—it reflects a deliberate commitment to strengthening government communication and, ultimately, improving how we serve the people of South Africa.

Colleagues,

At its core, government communication is not a support function—it is a strategic function at the centre of governance.

In this regard, we are not simply conveyors of information; we are the bridge between government and citizens. Through our work, we shape understanding, influence perception, and build—or erode—public trust. Given the pace at which information travels today, where narratives form almost instantly, the need for credible, timely, and ethical communication has never been greater.

Indeed, we are operating in an era where communication can either stabilise a nation or deepen uncertainty.

To illustrate this, we need only reflect on recent experiences.

Locally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly, creating confusion and, at times, resistance to life-saving interventions. False claims about vaccines and government intentions demonstrated how quickly unverified information can influence behaviour.

Similarly, during the 2021 unrest in South Africa, communication gaps—coupled with the rapid spread of false information—fuelled panic, mobilisation, and instability. Consequently, these events made it clear that in times of crisis, the absence of credible communication is itself a significant risk.

Turning to the global context, the same dynamics are evident.

For example, the Russia-Ukraine war is not only a military conflict—it is also an information war, where narratives, propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation shape international opinion and policy.

In the same vein, conflicts linked to energy security, such as the Iraq War, demonstrate how communication plays a central role in shaping legitimacy and global perception.

Taken together, these examples reinforce a fundamental truth: communication carries power—and consequence.

Therefore, we must remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation, including harmful and divisive falsehoods such as the widely debunked “white genocide” narrative. If left unchallenged, such narratives undermine social cohesion and erode public trust.

Programme Director,

Against this backdrop, the purpose of this programme becomes clear: to professionalise government communication across all spheres and to equip you with the tools required to operate effectively in a complex and contested information environment.

In essence, this is about more than skills—it is about capability, discipline, and strategic intent.

Over the course of this programme, you will strengthen your competencies in strategic communication, media engagement, crisis communication, digital platforms, stakeholder relations, as well as countering misinformation and disinformation. Collectively, these capabilities will enable you to communicate with clarity, authority, and purpose.

Equally important, we must anchor our work in ethical communication.

In this respect, integrity, honesty, and professionalism are non-negotiable. At all times, our responsibility is to serve the public interest and to ensure that our communication builds trust rather than diminishes it.

Furthermore, the digital environment requires us to continuously adapt.

Communication is simply not a one-directional process. Instead, it is an ongoing dialogue. Citizens expect engagement, responsiveness, and accountability. Accordingly, we must not only speak, but also listen—and respond meaningfully.

At the same time, collaboration remains critical.

By its very nature, government does not operate in silos, and neither should communication. Therefore, alignment across departments is essential to ensure coherence, consistency, and impact in our messaging.

Colleagues,

Ultimately, the success of this programme will not be measured by attendance, but by impact.

Specifically, we expect to see improved quality of communication, stronger alignment across institutions, and a measurable increase in public confidence in government messaging.

As you engage in this programme, I encourage you to participate actively, share your experiences, and challenge yourselves. In doing so, you will ensure that the knowledge gained here translates into meaningful practice within your respective roles.

In conclusion,

Effective communication is not optional—it is fundamental to governance.

As we have seen, when communication fails, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching. Conversely, when communication is strong, it has the power to inform, reassure, and unite.

Therefore, each of you has a responsibility to contribute to a communication system that is responsive, transparent, and trusted.

Finally,

I urge you to become ambassadors of this programme.

Significantly, this initiative represents a milestone in the evolution of South Africa’s government communication system—one that stands confidently not only at home, but also within the broader global context.

Going forward, let us widen the circle.

While future participants will carry their own costs, this particular cohort—as a selected national group—has been afforded a unique opportunity. As such, we expect you to champion this programme and advance the cause of a fully professionalised government communication system.

With that, I thank you and wish you a productive and impactful programme.

I thank you.