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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 07 Dec 2008 Title: "ID Yourself" campaign sweeps top honours -------------------- By Michael Appel Johannesburg - The Department of Home Affairs' "ID Yourself" Campaign took top honours at the Government Communicators Awards in Johannesburg on Friday evening. The glitzy awards recognised the successful implementation of the campaign which was launched earlier this year to motivate young people, especially 16 year olds and Grade 12 learners, to apply for their ID documents. The campaign, launched in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Department of Education and the National Youth Commission (NYC), raised awareness about the importance of having an ID document. Minister of Home Affairs, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said at the time it was imperative that the youth of South Africa apply for their ID documents as soon as they turn 16 and that it was the department's aims to facilitate an easy and effective process as much as possible. "With this document they are able to benefit from the advantages due to all South African citizens including access to learning, government support, travel and many other opportunities," she said. The department had throughout the year deployed mobile units to schools across the country as part of its outreach programme. All eligible learners aged 16 and older received on-site assistance with their ID applications, getting information on the new process of the late birth registration, re-issues and other related matters. This also meant they were able to register for their final examinations and at tertiary educational institutions as well as apply for bank accounts, bursaries, student loans and driver's licenses. Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko said government communicators had the important task of relaying government's Programme of Action (POA) to the people. "These awards are aimed at encouraging all government communicators, in all three spheres of government, to become better communicators as well as providing a platform for recognising government communicators for their dedication and professionalism, said Mr Maseko. The event, which was attended by Ministers, Director Generals and communicators from all levels of government, was also addressed by Minister in the Presidency Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. She said the South African public needed to be informed of what government was doing to deliver on its promise of a better life for all, and government communicators were therefore pivotal in transferring the message of governments work. "Although a lot has been done, we need to communicate and continue doing our work, we need to deal with the challenges that still lie ahead. "We need to continue to set the communication agenda," said Ms Tshabalala-Msimang. She added that creative ways of engaging with the public was required and all avenues needed to be explored in consolidating government's messages. Other awards included the Bua Award, which went the Chief Directorate for Communications in the Department of Social Development. The Mpumalanga Department of Road Safety and Public Works scooped the national Ubungcweti Award, while the Local Bua Award went to the communications unit at the Greater Sekhukhune Municipality. - BuaNews |
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