Entire Document - Chris Hani District Municipality

2.6.1 COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
2.6.1.1 Introduction
The effective and necessary participation of citizens in local government is proving to be a major challenge for local
government. The Chris Hani District Municipality, in response to this, established a communications unit which must
produce a Communications Strategy to guide its communication activities on an annual basis. Basic legislative and
policy framework taken into consideration when drafting the strategy are:
• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996: Section 32 gives a right to everyone to access any
information held by the state
• Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 Chapter 4, which encourages public participation of communities and stakeholders
• Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 14 of 2000 which fosters a culture of transparency and accountability to
promote effective access to information.
The strategy is also guided by the CHDM Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the Provincial Growth and Development
Plan (PGDP), the National Government Communications Plan and the SALGA National Communications Conference
Resolutions (May 2006).
2.6.1.2 Objectives of the unit
• Develop, implement and review Chris Hani District Municipality’s Communications Strategy
• Develop and implement Chris Hani District Municipality’s Marketing Strategy
• Render communication support to all municipal programmes and policies
• Encourage community participation
• Advise the Council on the stakeholder needs and perceptions.
2.6.1.3 Description of activity
Government communication is a strategic and planned process aimed at ensuring effective dialogue between
government and communities. Because local government is the closest sphere of government to communities,
municipalities should fulfil a wide range of communication functions in their attempt to provide the public with
open access to information on the programmes and policies of the municipality. Communication activities include
media liaison (media statements, radio interviews/talks-shows), media production (newsletters, information booklets,
brochures, photography and videography); enhancing the Chris Hani brand (corporate identity, promotional material
and advertorials), website management; production of annual report; dissemination of information; community
participation encouragement (izimbizo and information days; state, provincial and district addresses; institutionalised
days, road-shows), establishment and functionality of communication structures in the district.
2.6.1.4 Key functions for 2008/09
• Dissemination of information through implementing communication strategy (media liaison, media production, media
monitoring, photography, information dissemination, brand management; internal communication, communication
support to all departments)
• Marketing of Chris Hani District Municipality
• Production of Annual Report, and
• Website maintenance.
73