Windhoek Observer talked to Shoki Kandjimi, the Senior Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Information Communications Technology (MICT), on the role and operations of the Government Information Centre (GIC) as well as its mandate.
WO: Kindly please explain what the purpose of the GIC is? Why was it created?
SK: The Government Information Centre was established to communicate government information proactively to the public in line with the ethos of access to information. The centre allows government offices, ministries and agencies to communicate pertinent updates and
information to the public ensuring the timely flow of reliable, accurate and relevant information.
WO: Why does SOE use the platform when they can use their normal route of media briefings in their boardrooms?
SK: Public enterprises are part of the Government and they are funded by the state. The Government Communication Strategy launched in 2022 requires heads of public enterprises or their designates from time to time to update the nation on their projects, activities and programmes so that the public is aware of their mandate, products and services that have an impact on their lives directly or indirectly.
Therefore, it is crucial for public enterprises to make use of this platform that is aired on the national broadcaster’s television and radio services. Moreover, the strategy as endorsed by the Cabinet requires Ministers to also provide an update on their activities in line with the ethos of accountability and transparency.
WO: Why have the opposition party leaders never appeared on the platform?
The Government Information Centre was not established to allow for political discussions or debates but purely for government offices, ministries and agencies. We do not host any political party in the country on this platform.
