Government is resolute to resolve the country’s energy challenge

The efforts to stabilise Eskom and rebuild generation capability through the interventions outlined in the Energy Action Plan are starting to come to fruition, despite challenges.

Some of the key interventions underway to turnaround our energy challenge include Eskom receiving approval to be exempted from the new generation regulations. This will allow the utility to undertake emergency procurement as well as a number of other urgent interventions.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will host a discussion on the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA) during a Twitter Spaces scheduled for Thursday, 16th February 2023.  

The Spaces themed: #YouthVoicesMatter will unpack issues related to youth unemployment and empowerment as raised in the 2023 SONA. In addition, the Space offers an opportunity for the youth to express their views and exchange ideas regarding the State of the Nation Address and those issues affecting them. 

Government update on implementation of the Energy Action Plan

Government Communication and Information System will host weekly updates on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.  The first update will be in the form of a virtual media briefing to be held as follows:

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) invites members of the media to the 2023 SADC Media Awards Competition Webinar taking place on Tuesday, 21 February 2023 at 11h00.

The awards aim to recognize excellence in journalism in the area of print, photojournalism, television and radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region for the promotion of regional integration and cooperation.

A. Issues in the environment

1. State of the Nation Address (SoNA)

1.1. Cabinet reaffirmed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s clarion call made in his 2023 State of the Nation Address for all South Africans to work together and leave no one behind as we tackle our country’s pressing challenges.

1.2. The President’s bold measures put energy at the forefront of government’s plan of action for the year to deal decisively with load-shedding and secure a sustainable energy supply.

Commencement of public comments on the revised MAC Charter Sector Code

Today, 15 February 2023 the MAC Charter Council held a virtual engagement to resume a series of stakeholder consultations regarding public comments on the revised Marketing, Advertising and Communication (MAC) Charter Sector Codes.

The stakeholder consultations are scheduled to take place in all nine provinces in South Africa starting in Eastern Cape on 16th February 2023.

Youth discuss the 2023 State of the Nation Address

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will host a discussion on the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA) during a Twitter Spaces scheduled for Thursday, 16th February 2023.  

Government joins the globe in observing World Radio Day under the theme “ Radio and Peace”.  The 13th of February is specifically set aside to raise awareness of the importance of radio. 

Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele calls for public comments on a revised MAC Charter Sector Code

The Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele has published a notice in a government gazette (Gazette number 47804 ) calling on the public and interested stakeholders to work with the Marketing and Advertising Communication  (MAC) Charter Council to make oral and written inputs to review the current MAC Sector Code.

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will be conducting Pre-SoNA outreach activities, led by Minister Mondli Gungubele and Deputy Ministers, Pinky Kekana and Thembi Siweya from 07 – 09 February 2023 in the Western Cape.