All government communicators will for the first time have the opportunity to be publicly recognised for a job well done.
In July 2000, the Minister in the Presidency and political head of the GCIS, Dr Essop Pahad, tasked the GCIS to explore ways in which an award mechanism could be introduced to recognise improved delivery, innovation and excellence in government communication.
The proposal for the creation of the Presidential Press Corps was formalised at the Indaba between editors and senior journalists under the umbrella of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) and Cabinet in May 2001.
The public hearings on the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Bill mark a critical stage on the path towards an agency that will help ensure that the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and information are enjoyed in practice by all South Africans.
In his remarks at the closing of the debate on the State of the Nation Address in Parliament yesterday, 14 February 2002, President Thabo Mbeki indicated that the process of examining the overall social security system is continuing. In his own words:
"We will also focus on the issue of the completion of the work concerned with the consideration of a Comprehensive Social Security System."
Draft legislation for the establishment of a Media Development and Diversity agency was today introduced in Parliament by the Minister in the Presidency.
The public is invited to submit comment on the draft legislation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications by 27 February. The Portfolio Committee will be holding public hearings on the bill.
In response to media enquiries regarding proposals that have been publicly made for investigations into the causes of the depreciation of the Rand, we wish to make clear that government has received a variety of proposals from citizens on this subject. We will weigh them all on their merits through the relevant authorities to determine what action if any should be taken in addition to what is already being undertaken. If and when necessary a public statement will be issued.
At the parliamentary public hearings on the state of advertising and marketing on 6 and 7 November 2001, a recommendation was made that all industry stakeholders should address serious transformation challenges facing the industry in South Africa. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and the Department of Communications (DoC) were mandated to spearhead the process.
Draft legislation on the establishment of a Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday for submission to Parliament.
It is expected that the Bill will be tabled in the National Assembly by the Minister in the Presidency during December, after being certified by the State Law Adviser. It is anticipated that Parliament will invite the public to comment on the Bill in January, with a view to holding Public Hearings in February or March.
6 November 2001
MPCCs are making a difference in the lives of the majority of South Africans
Vaal Triangle - Multi-purpose Community Centres (MPCCs) have been identified by government as key in the successful implementation of the government's integrated approach towards service delivery and development, bringing much needed services closer to communities that need them desperately.
The South African government has confirmed with CNN officials that there is no truth to an e-mail message being circulated; quoting "CNN News flash", that US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, hinted that South Africa might be implicated in the tragedy that has befallen the US.
The message is simply and utterly a hoax.
The South African government hopes that the media, both here and abroad, will handle this piece of psychological and financial terrorism with the contempt it deserves.
