Effective government communication requires coordination and collaboration among ministries, agencies and all public entities.
In light of this, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology is conducting a three-day workshop at Rundu for all government communications officers to enhance timely and effective communication.
The workshop is held under the theme "Strengthening Government Communication for Transparency and Impact".
The Executive Director in the Ministry of ICT, Audrin Mathe, emphasised that technology serves as a powerful enabler of both transparency and impact in government communication, but only when deployed strategically and inclusively.
"The single gateway portal envisioned in our National Digital Strategy represents more than a technical achievement. It embodies our commitment to citizen-centred service delivery. Social media platforms, mobile applications and digital communication tools offer unprecedented opportunities for real-time engagement with citizens, providing life-saving information during emergencies and enabling continuous dialogue for responsive policy development."
Dr. Mathe stated that transparency in government communication is not merely an ethical obligation but crucial to enhance the government's effectiveness, build public trust and strengthen democratic institutions.
"Our communications officers must develop technical skills for digital platforms and data analysis tools, strategic communication skills for designing impactful campaigns and cultural competence to navigate Namibia's linguistic and cultural diversity whilst maintaining consistency in core government positions."
Developing robust coordination mechanisms for both routine and emergency communication must be a priority for all government communications officers, Mathe stated.