By Thapelo Sakoana

The appointment of seven information liaison officers by the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier is a step towards enhancing direct communication with communities.

The seven are communication officers from various departments of the provincial government and will be deployed in district offices around the province.

Premier's Makhenkesi Stofile's office said this was a "sustainable communication strategy" and would be in effect from Wednesday.

These communicators are in an orientation programme run by the Office of the Premier to give them media liaison exposure and allow them to be do their jobs in the field.

They will also interact with government communicators at municipal level and different stakeholders, such as traditional leaders.

The officers will ensure direct communication through community meetings on issues that affect communities. "These are issues such as how to access funding from various departments, ID documentation, social grants, accessing information on service delivery, rights of children and women and how government programmes will be rolled out to communities," the Office of the Premier said in a statement.

It said this was in line with government's pursuit to put the people's lives first through its Batho Pele principles.

Stofile said the appointment of these government communicators was important and would help people know about service delivery in the province.

He said the strategy would also help communities interact with the Office of the Premier, allowing them to voice their needs and grievances.
- BuaNews

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