admin
Ranson Madzamba Correspondent
In this new media world where almost everyone is turning to be a journalist, the subject of communication and advocacy for an organisation has to be premeditated.
Yes, this is indeed a fact because citizen journalism is one way or the other misleading people and, in most cases, disseminating false information, without even some confirmations.
The rise of citizen journalism has prompted a number of organisations to come up with communications and advocacy departments.
The department does public relations for the organisation. It communicates on behalf of the organisation and in one way or another markets the activities of the organisation to both internal and external stakeholders.
Communication is thus an essential component for any organisation to prosper in its endeavours.
The purpose of communication is to create, maintain, develop, and strengthen the interaction between an organisation and its stakeholders.
This leads to satisfied customers, well-motivated employees, a positive reputation or even innovative and creative strategies for the organisation.
As a way to achieve an upper middle-income society by 2030 (Vision 2030), the Second Republic brought in a number of changes in some Government ministries and departments.
Having realised the crucial role communication plays in any developmental process or movement, the Public Service Commission (PSC) created communications and advocacy departments or units in almost all the Government ministries and departments.
It is now the work of these communications and advocacy departments or units to make sure Zimbabwean citizens are well fed with relevant, accurate and crucial developmental information good for the country and also good for the attainment of Vision 2030.
The communications and advocacy departments or units are helping in promoting Government programmes and achievements to all Zimbabweans and the international community.
The departments or units are creating mutual understanding between Government ministries and the general publics.
The Second Republic is ever fighting to have everyone be on board for the attainment of Vision 2030. No one and no place must be left behind.
It is thus the work of the communications and advocacy departments or units to make sure no one and no place is left behind.
It is also the mandate of the communications departments to ensure there is accurate, timely and reliable information for decision making to both internal and external stakeholders of the Government.
As a way to enhance the operations of the newly established communications and advocacy departments/units the PSC recently conducted a capacity building workshop for all Government communicators.
The most important message from the capacity building workshop was for all the Government communicators to make sure no one and no place is being left behind in our developmental journey.
It was at the same PSC’s capacity building workshop that Government ministries were encouraged to come up with communication strategies for their respective departments to effectively and efficiently communicate their activities and programmes to the Zimbabwean people and their major stakeholders as well.
A communication strategy generally can be defined as a plan to achieve communication objectives. This applies to internal communications, marketing communications and public relations.
Well, taking heed to the special request from the PSC, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation last week convened a communication strategy drafting workshop. It is true the Ministry will soon be in possession of a final robust communication strategy.
The communication strategy was driven by the goal to put effective communication with stakeholders (youths, athletes, artists) at the heart of everything that the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation does.
All in all, it can be realised that communication has the power to unite and bring people together for a social cause.
Communicators are indeed great enhancers of development.
The creation of the communications and advocacy departments by the Second Republic was indeed a precise move at the right time.
Ranson Madzamba is the deputy director Communications and Advocacy for the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
Online Reporter