Public Relations Officers are expected to ensure that there is coordination and responses to society’s queries, concerns and comments regarding services rendered by Government.
The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Mr. Tšoinyana Rapapa said this when addressing Public Relations Officers (PROs) at the meeting which aimed at sensitising PROs about the newly established National Contact Centre (NCC).
Mr. Rapapa expressed gratitude to everyone who made it to the meeting in unpleasant weather conditions, saying this meeting does not only seek to harmonize relations between the Ministry of Communications, Science, and Technology as the mother body of line ministries through PRO but it is also a follow-up to the official launch of NCC by the Right Honourable the Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro on May 23^rd, 2022.
He noted that the centre seeks to complement the efforts of the Citizens Support Mechanism (CMF) also launched last year.
Mr. Rapapa stressed that it is PROs responsibility to be proactive as opposed to reactiveness in line with the PR Unit, saying responding effectively and efficiently to the needs of the society through NCC is yet another measure meant to strengthen government initiatives.
He added that with the support of the Office of the Prime Minister, all will come up with clearly defined and acceptable communication processes and channels that will ensure smooth partnership and operation between NCC and line ministries.
He noted that the Ministry of Communications has a responsibility in this regard as the implementer to ensure that this noble government initiative becomes a success.
Speaking at the same event, Adv. Makhetha Motšoari from the Office of the Prime Minister said Public Relations Officers are faced with the huge responsibility of seeking information and responding to the queries of Basotho to ensure that their needs are met.
He urged them to work harmoniously with the centre’s employees in order to ensure that civil servants perform their daily duties as well as being accountable.
He further noted that the establishment of the NCC follows the launch of CMF which is a system which assesses various ministries’ performance.
NCC was launched in May 2022. This initiative is part of Government efforts meant to ensure accountability while also enhancing speedy service delivery.
The society can now call toll-free number 80010100 to ask questions, share comments and queries in relation to Government services.
By Staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi