The Communications team, together with SARS management, conceptualised and implemented an effective strategy for the 2004 Filing Season which focused on improved operational efficiency in reducing the tax gap and improved service delivery. They delivered on their objectives of reminding taxpayers of the tax return deadlines, assisted them to fulfill their obligations through an extensive outreach programme, positioned SARS as a firm enforcer; and profiled SARS as accessible, quick to respond and helpful. An analysis of the PR work conducted during the campaign showed that the response from the media and public was phenomenal, resulting in a 100% improvement in tax return submissions and a change in the public's perception of SARS to that of an organisation that is AT YOUR SERVICE, evidenced by letters from taxpayers.
Captain Higgs was nominated in recognition of his role in professionally and positively profiling the Department of Defence, through the SA Navy. He has risen to the dual challenge of ensuring that the media, and local and international audiences, are continuously aware of the role the Department of Defence plays in the daily lives of South Africans, Africans and the International community, especially focusing on campaigns such as Nepad, the acquisition of the four Valour Class Patrol Corvettes, and the 10 Years of Democracy celebrations.
Thabang joined the Department of Housing at the end of 2003 and established the communication unit which had been without a senior manager for communication for three years. He raised the departmental and ministerial profile to such an extent that media research institute, Media Tenor , declared that more coverage was generated in one month than in the complete two year prior to the elections combined. He built strong relations with the media and provincial housing communicators that led to the proper handling of issues such as Diepsloot and Protea Glen.
Marthie played a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing successful participation by the Department of Defence in the national celebrations of Ten Years of Freedom and Democracy. She ensured departmental participation during the 27 April Freedom Day and Inauguration activities and compiled communication plans to promote the department's participation in such international, national and provincial events. Her innovative ideas and coordination has promoted the department's communication service excellence and added value to Government's efforts in promoting its image and service delivery to the South African public.
Crime is an issue that dominates the headlines and news reports on a daily basis. Its effects can be devastating and penetrates the core of a country's ability to sustain a stable infrastructure. The Police File Production Team has achieved success in delivering a positive reflection of service delivery by the South African Police Services which is substantiated by the statistics, the increase in viewer ratings, as well as letters from grateful viewers. More than 60 missing persons and 9 dangerous wanted suspects have been arrested due to the media exposure since July 2004 which shows a definite impact in locating and arresting perpetrators.
The 10 th anniversary of a free and democratic country is a particular unique milestone in its history, never to be repeated in its symbolic import. It calls for special communication and commemoration, which is best resonated in this publication. Produced by the Presidency under the editorship of Nazeem Mahatey, the Highest Honour is a must-have archival record of the men and women honoured by South Africa in 10 Years of Freedom for their outstanding contributions in the struggle for freedom and indeed to the total life of the nation. Its captures the epic tales of the making of South Africa, its triumphs, trials and well being.
Cornelius is the Chief Director: Communication in the Office of the Premier in the North West. He was nominated for his effective and innovative leadership during the transition to the new provincial government. From a communication point of view, it was critical to ensure effective communication on what this change meant and entailed. The provincial government was proactive and preempted any possible speculation that was not founded on facts. To sustain the positive mood generated by the elections, the new Executive Council took a series of Roadshows to districts to meet public servants and management. As the official spokesperson for the provincial government, Cornelius organized a highly successful conference between the North West Executive Council and Sanef, which resulted in media coverage of the provincial government and the Premier improving significantly as a result of an effective media management strategy.
Sergeant Mofokeng is a communication officer at the Vosloorus South African Police Service in charge of coordinating social crime prevention. He has played a pivotal role in a number of campaigns, presentations and public outreach events aimed at encouraging, motivating and uplifting the standard of service delivery to the public. These programmes have managed to motivate the community to work hand-in-hand with the police in fighting crime and there has been a noticeable change in attitude. A special focus falls on Youth Projects and outreaches to schools such as J Dumane and Lethulwazi Comprehensive have been used to present the youth to organisations such as Gun Free South Africa, Love Life and the Red Cross.
Jabu is the manager for Corporate Service of the Nketoana Local Municipality in the Free State. She initiated a programme to enhance public participation in the municipal Integrated Development Plan review process after the realization that community participation was not up to standard. The programme was a huge success resulting in improved community understanding of the IDP and the services. She initiated the installation of a toll-free Telkom line for the community to view their concerns and show their support and started the first departmental newsletter to enhance communication and to keep the community informed of the developments in the municipality.
The Office of the Premier produces a monthly newspaper, The Mirror , on behalf of the North West Provincial Government. Cornelius is the Editor-in Chief and is personally accountable for the editorial content. Written both in English and Setswana, The Mirror has been able to infuse the notion of development communication into the stories which results in communities receiving information that empowers them to seize the opportunities brought by the new democracy. It reflects government's call that ordinary people must become their own liberators to take initiative to bring a better life to themselves and their fellow citizens and it challenges the portrayal of citizens as passive recipients of government services.
The Communications Support Directorate is responsible for the production of the department's internal newsletter, Ezethu News and external newsletter, Igalelo , as well as for the content of the internet site. Both the newsletters and the website have received several accolades and commendations from various stakeholders and the website was voted as the most interactive and informative in terms of road safety information in December 2003 on SAFM. The team's contributions has enabled various programmes of the Department, such as Asiphephe, Zero Tolerance, Zibambele and many others to be better known throughout the country and their innovative communication strategies has resulted in an improvement of the public image of the MEC and the Department.
Kenneth joined the Madibeng Local Municipality in the North West in January this year as a Communications Coordinator, which entails building a good image of the local government and informing communities about programmes on services delivery. This is done through Madibeng News. The newsletter serves as a vehicle whereby communities can voice their concerns and frustrations in the letters page and is a vehicle with which the Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager can communicate with the public. As editor, Kenneth ensures that communities are informed about workshops on small business development and other self-employment projects.
Mr Attie Roux, representative of the Head of Communication in the Free State. Provinces are represented on the panel on a two-year rotational basis.