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6 November 2009

Government will embark on a week long public participation (Imbizo) drive from Monday, the 9th to Sunday, the 15th of November 2009. During this week and beyond Ministers will also be communicating  progress on the implmentaion of the Programme of Action.      

During this period government ministers, provincial and local government leaders will mobilise communities around the country to form stronger and active partnership with government to accelerate the implementation of programmes in the Programme of Action, and give feedback on challenges raised through various platforms including the recently launched Presidential Hotline and  Public Liaison Offices. 

This will be a period of heightened communication where government will:

* Outline visible and tangible government programmes available for communities to access.
* Re-emphasise partnerships with communities to deal with challenges facing them.
* Allow communities to suggest solutions to the challenges they are experiencing

This is a continuation of what government has been doing since 2000.  However, the emphasis is on reasserting communities as co-creators of solutions with the support of government.

Public participation remains central to governance as it brings government closer to the people. This uniquely South African platform has over the years assisted communities to raise issues and share their views. This communication platform is part of the varied methods that government uses to better understand the needs of the people.

The calendar of activities is available on the GCIS website and can be directly accessed on the link:  http://www.gcis.gov.za/newsroom/events/public_participation_nov09.pdf        
GCIS will update the media throughout the week on key activities taking place during the Public Participation week.

For enquiries contact:
Pheliswa Sebati
Cell: 082 413 4609
E-mail: pheliswa@gcis.gov.za

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
6 November 2009