Presidency Acknowledges KZN DoT Communications

A proud CEO Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa with the awards won by the Communication Support Directorate of the KZN DOT

Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport Dr. Kwazi Mbanjwa, has expressed joy over the news that the Communications Support Directorate of the KZN Department of Transport was selected as a Finalist in the 2004 Annual GCIS Government Communicators’ Awards. The announcement was made at a glittering ceremony on December 3rd at Gallagher Estate, Gauteng and attended by several high-profile dignitaries. KZN DOT competed with the communication directorates and divisions of more than 30 other government departments and organs of state. An independent panel, drawn from the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef), the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF), the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Chairperson of Parliament’s Communications Portfolio Committee, adjudicated this year’s entries. KZN DOT’s Communications Support Directorate was chosen as a finalist in the PROVINCIAL/LOCAL UBUNGCWETI AWARD category for editorial content, layout and design and was eventually ranked second by the panel.

The Communications Support Directorate was judged on the production of the department’s internal newsletter, Ezethu News and external newsletter, Igalelo, as well as for the content of the Intranet and Internet sites. Both the newsletters and the websites received several accolades and commendations from various stakeholders, and the website was voted as the most interactive and informative in terms of road safety information on SAFM. The team’s contributions have raised awareness of various programmes of the Department, such as Asiphephe, Operation Shanela, Zibambele, Vukuzakhe and many others throughout the country. This has enhanced the public image of the MEC and the Department.

Dr Essop Pahad, Minister in the Presidency handing over the awards to Logan Maistry, Acting Manager of Communication Support at the Annual GCIS Communicators’ Awards 2004

The overall winner was the Communications Division of the South African Revenue Services.

The competition was introduced in 2002 by Dr. Essop Pahad, Minister in the Presidency, to recognize innovation and excellence in government communication and to encourage government communicators to deliver better, professional services in line with an ethos of transparency and accountability, and to draw attention to the work of government.

Reacting to the announcement, KZN Department of Transport CEO Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa said that he was delighted that both Ezethu News and Igalelo as well as our internet and intranet sites were selected as national finalists. "We take great pride in this prestigious honour and our congratulations go to all members of the Communication Support team," Dr. Mbanjwa said.

"The Communications Support Team"
Standing from left to right: Melvin Rampedi, Logan Maistry, Master Mosunkutu and Piwe Mkhize
Seated from left to right: Lungile Ndlovu, Karen Bole, Bongiwe Dlamini and Michelle Dally

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