... government Communication Policy across all three spheres of government. The Government Communication and Information System, GCIS should develop a strategy to engage with the public about the danger of the recent rise of fake news to circumvent such to happen in communicating government statements or messages. The
GCIS must be proactive in monitoring the fake news in all social media platforms and intervene timeously.
The Minister should urgently attend to the vacancy rate which is above acceptable threshold prescribed by the Public Service Regulations of 2016 in the Government Communication and Information System. The Government Communication and Information System, GCIS should prioritise filing strategic funded vacancies and report to the committee in eight months period. The Government Communication and Information System, GCIS together with the Department of Public Service and Administration and Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs should resolve and decide on the location and the funding model of the Thusong Service Centres since these centres are not adequately funded and are dislocated.
The Government Communication and Information System, GCIS should review its position on the Thusong Service Centres since these centres have evolved from merely being institutions communicating government information, but regarded as centres meant to provide integrated government services closer to the people. The Minister should expedite the filling of strategic funded posts in senior management level to ensure stability in the agency within eight months period.
In conclusion, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is among government departments affected by the changes of the National Macro Organisation Structure. The achievement of the National Development Plan, NDP requires collaboration, integration and co-operation across all levels of government including the private sector. The Committee is looking forward for the department to develop National Development Plan Five Year Implementation to advance and guide medium- and short-term planning ... [Interjections.] Thank you Comrade Chair. We therefore support this Budget, Comrade Chair. [Interjections.] [Applause.] [Time expired.]