The statement by Democratic Alliance national Spokesperson, Lindiwe Mazibuko, on the “SA on the Move” transport supplement refers.
Government communication takes its cue from the constitutional imperative of access to information and the objectives of building a truly democratic state. This requires government to maintain continued interaction with its citizens in order to enable all South Africans to become active and conscious participants in social transformation. Government has an obligation to provide information to its citizens. It is essential that ordinary citizens are constantly informed about government work.
The Department of Transport has constantly emphasised that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is not only about sport; it is more about Tran-Sport. Over the past few months, government as well as FIFA and the Local Organising Committee have called for communication around transport for the 2010 FIFA world Cup to be intensified. To this end, the Department of Transport embarked upon several initiatives to intensify communication around transport for the World Cup, including regular briefings, interviews with print and electronic media, printed booklets as well as a dedicated 2010 transport website - www.findyourway2010.co.za. The “SA on the Move supplement”, which focuses primarily on transport and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is also part of this initiative.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele earlier today (18 May 2010) participated in the Public Hearings on the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Parliament in Cape Town. The collective comment by Members of Parliament was, “we need to communicate more; now we are empowered.” How much more to ordinary citizens?
An informed public is a democratic public. As a result of ignorance, people are misled. Why should any democrat complain about government communication which is within the prescribed guidelines and the allocated approved budget?
As part of our constitutional obligations, the Department of Transport will continue exercising our responsibility to articulate and promote the policies and programmes of government.
Enquiries:
George Mahlalela
Director-General: Department of Transport
Tel: 012 309 3698
Issued by: Department of Transport
18 May 2010
