Over time the Corporate Communications Unit have been introducing some developments, all in the quest to communicate what the ministry stands for, what it aspires to achieve, but most importantly, to amplify the ministry’s services through various medium.
These innovations include:
PUBLICATIONS
Batho Pele Magazine
This Quarterly edition covers an array of issues regarding local government. It has also adopted thematic route for each edition. The edition is driven by contributions on topical local government issues. It intends to promote dialogue through insightful features, interviews, expert opinions and other avenues such as panel discussions.
Batho Pele e-Bulletin
The web-based weekly bulletin (Fridays, 1430hrs) is primarily a current affairs edition meant for the internal audience. It is informed by issues of national and internal interest whilst they are still fresh.
Developmental News
This refers to a contribution to the Government PR Monthly Insert in the Daily News. The articles tilt towards development programs undertaken by the Ministry, their benefits at individual level to national level.
Daily News Column
This refers to a weekly column on the Daily News on Fridays that aims at explaining the Ministry’s services and products.
BROADCAST SERVICES
Batho Pele Television
This is fortnightly broadcast on Btv (Sundays, 1930hrs) in a documentary format that engages customers and policy makers and implementers.
Batho Pele Radio
This is weekly broadcast on RB 1 (Thursdays, 1645hrs) addressing issues that are at the core of Local Government through giving voice to the people.
USER INTERFACE
e-Governance
This refers to the digitization of government services, so that they can be accessed through the internet, in quest to improve service delivery. This is still work in progress, along with the Ministry’s website.
Customer Care Centre
This centre is at the core of customer service as it deals with customer complaints and queries. Customers can visit the centre or write, but most importantly, they can utilize the free toll free number. This service has been extended to the districts.
People’s Days
As a way of interacting with our customers, the Ministry through its Local Authorities hold open days where they explain services and even offer the said services in the spot.
However, these would matter less if there is no feedback. For this reason we implore you to be vigilant on what we put out there, because in the end, as part of MLG, it has a bearing on your name, personally and professionally. This calls for you to give us feedback, critique us and advice us on what needs to be improved or done differently. In an earlier edition I mentioned that each one of us is a PR Officer for the Ministry, so play your role. Be our eyes, ears, and our guiding light.