National Communication Strategy Framework: a guide for government communicators
Effective communication is crucial for driving positive change within a nation. It is at the heart of fostering understanding, building trust and enabling in- formed decision-making by citizens.
Clear and concise communication from government helps citizens participate in our hard-won democracy and ensures a national effort towards a more vibrant and prosperous society.
The Government of National Unity, through the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), has formulated an ambitious programme to transform and develop the country. At its core are key strategic priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty, tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
In supporting the implementation of the country’s priorities, the National Communication Strategy Framework (NCSF), approved by Cabinet on 26 February 2025, provides a strategic approach to government communication and brings us closer to realising the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030.
The framework creates a clear structure for the work of government communicators over the next five years, ensuring effective and coordinated messaging to the public and alignment with the government's priorities and mandate.
In supporting these priorities, our work as communicators and as guided by the NCSF is to support efforts towards economic recovery, employment creation, economic transformation and drive investment. We must also demonstrate government’s commitment to reduce poverty, tackle the high cost of living, and efforts to decisively deal with social challenges.
“The NCSF gives communicators a clear pathway to support government as it is aligned to the MTDP, which in turn is a stepping stone towards the achievement of the NDP Vision 2030.”
Furthermore, efforts to promote the building of a capable, ethical and develop- mental state that respond to the needs of citizens must be the golden thread that runs through all that we do. As is the vital task of promoting national unity and solidarity
among all South Africans.
The fight against crime and corruption remains central to safeguarding our gains and realising our nation’s full potential. Therefore, it must be a fundamental aspect of all our communication objectives.
Our job as communicators is to support the implementation of these priorities by highlighting progress and the positive impact on people’s lives. Achieving this will require sustained, regular, predictable and accurate information, which helps to build confidence in government, while also enhancing active citizenship.
The NCSF also emphasises the importance of working together and ensuring alignment through all levels and spheres of government. This will be key to ensuring that we give effect to the government’s five-year message: “A Nation that Works for All”.
This theme is a reminder of the South Africa we envision, where every citizen can dream of a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
It is also a call to action and reminds us that our strength lies in our unity and collective effort. By coming together, we can overcome obstacles and build a brighter future for everyone.
The NCSF gives communicators a clear pathway to support government as it is aligned to the MTDP, which in turn is a stepping stone towards the achievement of the NDP Vision 2030.
As communicators, we have a responsibility to ensure that the NCSF becomes a living roadmap, which supports the priorities outlined in the MTDP. By relentlessly focusing on the key priorities of government, we can cut through the noise and ensure that we stay the course. This is vital in a highly contested national communication space, and the added dynamic of an uncertain geo-political landscape.
Armed with the NCSF as our compass, we must utilise all platforms to engage South Africans, while also ensuring that we constantly occupy the communication space to improve government’s share of voice. This will ensure that we keep alive the narrative of hope and renewal, while also minimising the negative impact of misinformation and disinformation.
What now remains is to ensure that both the NCSF and MTDP informs and guides the work of government at all levels. Both of these must be the glue that holds together and guides departmental strategies in the short, medium and longer term.
In order to improve and professionalise communication within the system, departmental strategies will be monitored by the GCIS on an ongoing basis with an update on performance and alignment to the NCSF and the MTDP presented to Cabinet on an ongoing basis. The first assessment of the alignment of all communication by departments to the NCSF will be conducted in 18 months from the date of the approval of the NCSF.