Latest news with #SocialMediaSummitforGovernment
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
How strong leadership and coordination mitigate reputational risks during crises
Senior government communicators say strong leadership support and internal coordination are crucial for managing reputational risks during times of crisis. Image: Supplied Senior government communicators say strong leadership support and internal coordination are crucial for managing reputational risks during times of crisis. This was the key message from a panel discussion on crisis communication at the Social Media Summit for Government, the University of Johannesburg, on Tuesday. The panel included Major General Nonkululeko Phokane, Head of Communications and Liaison at SAPS, Albi Modise, Senior Executive for Communication and Marketing at Gautrain and Cleopatra Mosana, Head of Communication at National Treasury. The summit brought together senior communication officials from the public sector to explore how digital platforms and social media affect public trust and crisis management. Phokane explained how SAPS manages communication across more than 1,100 police stations, noting that digital spaces add complexity. Phokane explained how SAPS manages communication across more than 1,100 police stations, noting that digital spaces add complexity. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "In the midst of your social media interaction, whenever incidents happen, remember that it is one space that is not even policed," Phokane said. "Social media space is one where every citizen becomes a journalist. And in investigations, it then becomes a call for us to be able to strike that balance from time to time". She pointed to the Stillfontein hostage situation, where 'at least every second hour, there was a communication update,' helping to manage public perception. Modise emphasised the importance of clear communication in protecting public confidence in services like Gautrain. "Look, I mean, I've said to those who care to listen that the success of communicating is largely dependent on the principles you have, "Modise said. "You can be the most erudite communicator, but if your principles don't buy into the communication area of work, you have a serious problem. When there's a crisis, we need to be clear about who handles the communication. If the principal passes on to you as a head of communications or spokesperson, half the battle is won" Mosana added that trust and respect between communicators and leadership are key. "We coordinate. If I have to reflect on what happened on February 19, when the nation didn't know that the budget was going to be postponed, that collaboration and coordination that we did with GCIS made a difference to everyone because of the speed with which we communicated," Mosana said. "And key to it is that I have a trust in the principles that I'm working in. So the relationship is open. It's a very respectful relationship. And it espouses the values of the National Treasury with its honesty and transparency". IOL
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Experts urge responsible use of AI to drive inclusion and growth in public sector
Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used not only to enhance communication but also as a key driver of development and inclusion in South Africa. Image: Supplied Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used not only to enhance communication but also as a key driver of development and inclusion in South Africa. This was the view of experts during a panel discussion focusing on the role of AI in public sector communication at the Social Media Summit for Government at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Tuesday. The summit comes amid growing debates and concerns over AI's rise around the world, with fears that it could replace professional judgment and jobs. The panel, moderated by Prof. Mandla Radebe, Executive Director of the Centre for Data and Digital Communication at the University of Johannesburg, brought together thought leaders from government, communications, and legal fields to discuss how AI can be responsibly integrated into public service. 'We need to stop just looking at AI as a tool for communication, but also as a tool for development,' Dr Caroline Azionya from the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) said. 'Data is a value-creating resource, and if used correctly, it can streamline processes and bring about real growth.' Aslam Levy, Deputy Director-General for Digital Governance, also provided insight into the Western Cape government's approach to digital services that consider the realities of impoverished communities. Aslam Levy, Deputy Director-General for Digital Governance, also provided insight into the Western Cape government's approach to digital services Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ '70% of the people who interact with us are chronically impoverished. So when we design, we design for the lowest common denominator. Our services are mobile-optimised, and we guide users step by step. We don't just assume they know how to use the technology.' Levy described efforts like mobile digital hubsvehicles equipped with internet access, and digital facilitators that visit rural areas to help people with internet use and digital skills such as writing CVs. On the broader AI question, Azionya, however, warned against uncritical reliance on AI-generated content. "It does lie. It causes hallucinations. So, from a reputational point of view, it's very important for you to ensure that you verify the information that you send out so that you don't bring the government into disrepute for the department that you're working for," Azionya said. "I think that's the most important thing. And then, through being consistent, you then become a trusted source of information for the citizens. I think you have to be very intentional about that and understand that AI is there to augment your skill set, not to replace your skill set". Leah Molatseli, Legal Tech and Innovation Specialist, pointed out that there were still challenges with AI regulation in government. Last year, South Africa introduced the National AI Policy Framework, but there are still no detailed laws to enforce or guide its implementation. "I think the biggest one is that in essence, they don't exist. They're either scattered or it's still very on a contextual basis. Very high level, this is what we need to do". Molatseli also stressed the risks of public servants using AI tools without proper safeguards, potentially exposing sensitive government data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used not only to enhance communication Image: Supplied
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
How podcasts and partnerships can enhance government to communicate effectively
Sithembile Ntombela, the general manager for marketing at Brand South Africa, speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government at the University of Johannesburg. Image: Supplied Government communicators have been urged to partner with trusted voices in the podcasting space to make government messaging and communications more effective, accessible and relevant to younger audiences. These were some of the recommendations given to communicators during the second day of the Social Media Summit for Government, held at the University of Johannesburg's Business School in Auckland Park. During a panel discussion on Podcasting and Government Communications, Sithembile Ntombela, the general manager for marketing at Brand South Africa, said it was important for government communicators and their principals to realise there was a vacuum and there was a trust barrier, urging communicators to foster meaningful collaborations. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'We need to use the trusted audience, and that is the business voice, civil society and ordinary South Africans. I think that as the public sector, we have to elevate, adopt and adapt to the changing norms. 'Look at the Covid era, we knew exactly the number of vaccines, infections and all those statistics, that should be the case for everything in South Africa. 'Podcasts can play a crucial role in building trust with the public sector; they can measure what we say and what we do,' she said. Ntombela said it was important for the government to be like a commercial brand. 'Podcasts are the new ways of building brands… we need to coordinate, collaborate and co-create, and be that intertwining of strategies and deliverables,' she said. Podcaster Urusula Mariani speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government at the University of Johannesburg. Image: Supplied Podcaster Ursula Mariani, the founder and host of The Conversation Capital, said it was important for the government to co-create with personalities who were kings and queens in the art of conversation, who understood their audience, had strong values and quality content which was packaged authentically. She said in the podcast sphere, attention was the currency and the commodity, and that the number of views had a direct relationship with the amount of money podcasters made. She warned that some people were willing to do anything for views, but warned that brands had to be careful who and what they aligned with, not only looking at the numbers for alignment with audiences. 'If you are a fan of Black Mirror, we are in an episode of Black Mirror. Everybody is starting a podcast, and everyone has a voice. There are people listening to this content, that's why they have the numbers, yet everyone will say they don't like gossip, but when you look at the gossip podcast numbers that's where they are,' she said. Ntombela said brand positioning, or vision, was important. 'We are married to quality conversation that matters, that brings impact to the ordinary South Africans, ours is not to look at the numbers, it is to look at the depth and the substance, that is important,' she said, adding that podcasts were tools to humanise brands. Mariani said government brands needed to use skilled podcasters with communities to walk through complex conversations, saying co-creation and collaboration was the way to go. 'This is a skill and an art, if Frank from finance can do it, I guess let him do it… Do not downplay the skill that it takes to carry the conversation,' she said. Ntombela said when partnering with podcasts, they had helped in challenging the norms, shifting the paradigm. 'Podcasts are a great tool for crisis communications. Like the US-SA saga. Because of podcasts, we had to be agile and respond to bridge the gap between the truth and the lies. 'It is important to be agile, be brilliant at the basics, co-create and collaboration, those are strategic relationships give you footprint and access,' she said. IOL
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Calls for government to create its own tech platforms
GovChat founder Professor Eldrid Jordaan speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government at the University of Johannesburg, in conversation with DeCode Communications CEO Lorato Tshenkeng. Image: Supplied GovChat founder Professor Eldrid Jordaan has implored the South African government to start, own and run its own technology platforms for the benefit of all South Africans. Jordaan has slammed big tech, particularly Meta - which owns the likes of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, saying they posed a threat to the digital sovereignty of countries like South Africa. Jordaan, who was a key figure during the Mxit days and who later founded GovChat, which aims to enhance governance transparency and accountability through the provision of tools for citizens to measure service levels, was the keynote speaker at the Social Media Summit for Government, which is being hosted by the University of Johannesburg. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading His speech was on the topic of Technology, Trust, and Transformation: Bridging the Digital Divide in Citizen Engagement. He said big tech, particularly Meta, wanted to be the player and the referee. This comes after a long standing dispute between GovChat and Meta, which stems from 2020, where the civic organisation was accused of violating the terms of service of the WhatsApp Business API, despite the fact that GovChat had signed agreements with the SA government, allowing it to communicate on the governments behalf. 'The government needs to beware of public private partnerships that profit from public infrastructure,' Jordaan warned. 'Public goods should serve our people, not the private sector. GovChat was built to serve South Africans, it was not built to serve algorithms and shareholders. 'We can no longer afford to be digital tenants. We must use these tools, but not lose the power. We need to partner with big tech, do not depend on them,' said Jordaan. Jordaan said South Africa had 1.5 million public servants who needed to be upskilled to navigate a changing world driven by artificial intelligence. 'We don't need to go to the private sector, we are seeing too many people hand over their responsibilities to the private sector, the private sector should strengthen government, it should not replace the work that is done by the government, there should be a big difference between mandate, scope of work,' he said. Jordaan said it was important that big tech treats Africa with the same respect that it treated countries in the West, including how it harvested data of people on the continent. He said recently, authorities in Nigeria had issued a $200 million fine for the use of people's data without consent. 'We are not saying that the private sector should not profit because that's their model, just like how you have a business model in the government. The private sector is important, we need the private sector, but we must guard against the dependency. 'When you are dependent on something they hold the stick, they hold the power - I'm nervous about that, we need to be careful around what the intentions are,' said Jordaan. Sassa own platform Jordaan said a state institution like Sassa, should have its own platform to administer the millions of social welfare payments it administers monthly. 'The private sector is lucky there is so much inefficiency in government,' he remarked. 'Look at Sassa, if the South African government wanted to own a platform, I would start there. You have more than half population on Sassa, but you choose to use platforms that exist. If I were the government, I would use my own platform and make it mandatory. 'I say it again, the private sector is lucky there are inefficiencies in the government,' said Jordaan. IOL editor Lance Witten speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government. Image: Supplied Earlier, IOL's editor-in-chief Lance Witten urged government communicators to listen to the people in developing narratives and content around their government departments. Witten made the comments during a fireside chat with SABC journalist Bongiwe Zwane at the summit. 'There is a steady decline in audiences engaging with platforms like news websites, which are now seen as legacy media. You can build the best content, but if you are not where your audience is, there is no point in creating that content,' he said. Witten said tailored and platform specific content and messaging was key for audiences. 'What we have discovered is that we need to be where the audiences are… you need to create specific native for the platform you are on, if it is all tailored for the platform, that is where and how the audience will engage with it,' he said. With shrinking revenues, Witten said it was important for communications teams to be clear about their identity, their narrative and to be unequivocal about a political stance. He also said the impact of the changing consumption habits and technology such as AI, had a big impact on news publishers, and content teams needed to be aware of AI optimization, as the AI and search engines like Google became more of answer engines rather than search engines. 'Am I creating the content on my platform? Is it good for the crawler? Is it good for ChatGpt? Are you creating content helping the answer engine? How am I answering the audience needs? 'From a news content provider perspective, it has impacted our concept of how we create content and the credibility, our audiences are on social media, they are good at spotting authenticity, they are less likely to trust a brand,' said Witten. IOL
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Speak to citizens in their language, officials told at Social Media Summit for Government
City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government, which is being hosted by the University of Johannesburg. Image: Supplied City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya has called on government officials around the country to speak and communicate with people in a language they understand. Government officials have been accused of malicious compliance in the manner which they consult with citizens for key democratic instruments, including the passing of budgets and consultation for key legislative reforms. Moya was speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government at the University of Johannesburg. She said it was important to note that a lot of people, including the elderly and young graduates with degrees, did not understand how governments worked. 'It is important to deliver messages to people in a language they understand,' she stressed during her address, speaking on the topic of Why Citizen Engagement is the Heart of Governance. 'We table these complex budgets with 200 pages or so, then you take it to the people at a townhall in Ga Rankuwa with these complex tariff structures and very sophisticated terms, and then you explain this 200-page budget in 19 slides and in the room, maybe there were 85 people. 'When those people stand up, they stand up and ask about potholes and their unmet expectations, so you see there is a lot of miscommunication about what is actually happening and everything is happening, it is English all the way…. There is this malicious compliance, we want a government centred around people,' she said. Moya, who has been mayor since October last year, said it was important for government officials to communicate honestly with residents, communicating not only positive updates, but actively responding to burning issues too. She said listening as well was important. Notably, she candidly acknowledged her lack of a strong constituency in Tshwane, explaining that her appointment followed her party's political manoeuvres that removed the former mayor, Cilliers Brink, from the DA. She expressed her desire to lead a people-centred government and urged officials at the summit to prioritise the needs of the citizens. Speaking on a panel discussion around civic tech and government, Dr Sandile Mbatha, the founder and chief solutions officer for SM Digital, said the government was not adequately adopting civic technology because the government was led by people who were bottom feeders, who could not be employed elsewhere. 'This is similar to universities doing research detached from where they are located, then you have a government whose biggest problem in the public service is led by bottom feeders, who are employed because they cannot be employed anywhere else. So when they are presented with problems, it does not become about resolving challenges, it's about ticking boxes,' he said. Mbatha said it was tragic to witness big metros like Joburg and Tshwane dilapidated when they could use civic technology methods to address their problems without having to go through rigid and complex government procurement route, which would end up costing ten times more. Koketso Moeti, the founding executive director for said there was a prevalence of rushing to build apps and tech which did not centre the people. She spoke of a host of public-funded initiatives, such as the launch of a pothole reporting app by the Joburg Roads Agency in May 2014, which was hailed as a first of its kind, but was now defunct, and the issue of potholes had since worsened to epic levels. She also spoke of how over 50 countries launched Covid tracing apps at the peak of the coronavirus, with limited success. 'Very often we aim to solve complex systemic issues, and everywhere I look, we misdiagnose problems,' she said. 'The JRA launched a pothole reporting app, and in less than 3 months, there were major problems with the GPS mapping and other issues, because it was assumed there was a functioning JRA which would administer the app. 'The application was branded a success, a first of its kind, despite there being no measurement on the customer end, and part of the reason we misdiagnose, is because we conflate innovation with invention. 'We rush to build without centring people, we can't just add tech and stir…,' she said, adding also that language was a huge barrier. Future Elect's Wellington Radu leads a panel discussing civic technology at the Social Media Summit for Government, alongside Amandla Mobi's Koketso Moeti, Dr Sandile Mbatha of SM Digital, Kavisha Pillay of CODE and Nkululeko Mthembu of Pista. Image: Supplied
