The Communication Unit in the Office of the Premier in the North West (Chief Directorate: Communication) was declared Government Communicator of the Year at a glittering ceremony in Sandton on Friday night. The Communicator of the Year Award is the highest honour a government communicator can receive in South Africa.
In addition to winning the main national award, the Chief Directorate also won first prizes in the following two categories: Provincial Bua Award and Provincial Ubunqcweti Award. The Bua Award recognises media liaison officers and spokespersons who have excelled in articulating the positions and programmes of government. The Ubungcweti Award recognises excellence in content, writing, editing and design in campaigns and projects. The night truly belonged to the North West!
The adjudication panel, in declaring the Chief Directorate: Communication Unit the overall winner of Communicator of the Year noted that the Chief Directorate: Communication has "consistently communicated with the public and has been guided by a comprehensive communication strategy."
In addition, the following observation was made: "The Chief Directorate strives for excellence in every area of communication. During the most challenging times for government communication, the team continued to communicate and defend the programmes of government as best as they could. The province rolled out a comprehensive provincial communications strategy, while remaining sensitive to the environment and ensuring that they reached all the public within the province with their government messages. This included the usage of various communication channels and platforms to enable them to share with the public the messages of government."
In addition to winning three trophies and certificates, the Chief Directorate won R30 000 which will be used for a team building session and a state of the art colour laser multi-function photocopier or printer.
"The Chief Directorate Communication is pleased to receive these prestigious awards, especially the Communicator of the Year Award. We see them not only as a reward for excellence in government communication, but also as an encouragement to aspire to even greater heights", said the Chief Director: Communication and spokesperson for the North West Provincial Government.
The Chief Directorate has expressed its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success. They have singled out Premier Maureen Modiselle for her excellent leadership and vision and further expressed appreciation to all MECs for their guidance and support; Ms Nana Magomola, Director General of the North West for her unwavering support and constant coaching; staff and colleagues in the Office of the Premier and provincial government for always reminding us to exploit our full potential; members of the North West Provincial Communicators' Forum, colleagues in the media, and many more. "These awards belong to them too!"
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson: North West Provincial Government
Tel: 018 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
E-mail: cmonama@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
13 December 2009
