Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, will deliver the keynote address at the South Africa-Tunisia Women’s Day celebration in Pretoria on Thursday.

This event, hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) — in collaboration with the Embassy of Tunisia — will focus on the theme: ’The Role of Science Diplomacy in Women Empowerment: The South African-Tunisian Experience’.

Supported by the Science Diplomacy Capital of South Africa (SDCfA), an initiative of the DSTI, the programme will include two thematic discussions on how science diplomacy can advance women’s empowerment and gender equality.  

The department believes that science diplomacy is a powerful tool for advancing gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and beyond. It promotes education, policy change, global networking, and innovative partnerships that strengthen women’s leadership and participation in STEM fields.  

Key speakers include Dr Maurine Musie, a 2025 South African Women in Science Award winner, and Professor Zohra Lili Chaabane, President of Tunisia’s Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, alongside Tunisian professionals based in South Africa.

According to the department, South Africa and Tunisia have collaborated on science, technology, and innovation for over a decade. 

“With strong systems in STI, this reinforces their commitment to building knowledge- and innovation-driven economies.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is expected to host the annual International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday.

The event will be held in partnership with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) Limpopo at Mmakgabo Secondary School in that province.

“This year’s event is focused on empowering learners with knowledge, life skills, and emotional resilience to guard against the dangers of drugs and substance abuse – one of the most pressing social challenges facing young people today,” the department said in a statement.

The day is expected to kick off with a march led by learners at the school, stakeholders and a brass band.

“[Following that] the main programme will commence, featuring parolee testimonies sharing first-hand experiences on the devastating effects of substance abuse, and engagements with learners on mental health and prevention strategies.

“By working closely with schools and community partners, Correctional Services seeks to raise awareness, spark dialogue and inspire action against substance abuse,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The attempted murder case against controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has been postponed in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Matlala, as well as four co-accused, including his wife, are facing a raft of charges relating to a shooting incident in Sandton in 2023.

“Matlala, along with his wife Tsakane Matlala and co-accused Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama, faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and money laundering, as well as attempting to defeat [the ends of] justice. 

“The case stems from an alleged incident in Sandton between 12 and 17 October 2023, where Tebogo Thobejane’s vehicle was allegedly shot at. Matlala is scheduled to appear alone [next] Tuesday for a bail application and will remain in custody until his next court appearance,” the NPA said.

The prosecutorial body said it requested a postponement to “allow for the finalisation of centralising” at least seven other dockets against Matlala. – SAnews.gov.za

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A panel session has called on women not only to support each other, but to embrace innovation and safeguard the truth in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital disruption.

Hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on Tuesday, the Women in Media and Communication discussion formed part of Women’s Month celebrations.

The gathering was held under the theme: “Leveraging the use of AI in Education, Media and Communication.” 

The event brought together leaders in government communication, mainstream media, community media and digital innovation for a robust exchange with TUT students in media, journalism and integrated communication.

Panel moderator and news anchor at the SABC, Bongiwe Zwane stressed that the spirit of community should begin among students themselves, encouraging them to support one another as they prepare for the workplace. She urged young women to see each other not as rivals but as colleagues who can uplift and inspire one another.

“You see a woman whose crown you can fix. You see a woman who is feeling down and doesn’t believe in herself, and you realise that I can lift you up, because today, my cup is full,” she said.

“So, I always want you to be cognisant of each other. Everywhere you are, somebody could use your motivation, and I hope that you are going to take everything that we’ve shared with you today, mull over it, and think of what kind of professionals you want to be,” she said. 

The panel featured Pamela Madonsela from the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA); Director for GCIS Parliamentary Office, Liezil Cerf; Head of Digital Communication in the Presidency Athi Geleba and Managing Editor at Code For Africa’s iLAB which trains newsrooms to adapt to the challenges of generative AI Athandiwe Saba.

It also featured Dr Maria Mushaathoni, the Head of Department for Journalism/ Integrated Communication at TUT.
Madonsela highlighted the critical role of community media in telling authentic stories and connecting with citizens but warned that sustainability remains a pressing challenge. 

“Sustainability is a challenge to community media, so we’re trying to also offer training that is non-financial support to say, how do you make yourself sustainable? We want to see you being able to stand on your own, being able to get ads and being able to run a business,” she said.

Cerf reflected on her career shift from journalism to government communication, saying her passion lies in simplifying complex policy and parliamentary processes for the public. 

“Our role is to interpret technical government information in ways that empower ordinary South Africans,” she explained.

Saba warned of the risks of AI-powered disinformation and stressed the importance of training journalists to verify online content.

Meanwhile, Geleba emphasised the Presidency’s role in countering fake news and building public trust. 
“I think that as communicators, it becomes quite critical for us to be able to provide information that is accurate; to be able to position ourselves as a primary source for credible government information. With fake news, it’s becoming more difficult to be able to detect because of AI and these other technologies.

As communicators, we should be able to educate our various audiences in terms of how to interact with information that they get across platforms,” she said.

Mentorship 
 

The conversation also touched on women’s leadership with Cerf calling for structured mentorship networks. 

“Without other women we are not able to reach the full potential of our womanhood within a professional environment. We can’t do it with men; we have to do it with each other. 

“I think one of the biggest structural barriers that we have at the moment in our industry, is that we do not have our own network of mentorship and coaching amongst ourselves to share the generational knowledge and wisdom of being in an industry of public communication like myself for more than 25 years. 

“When are we going to get together as women and create our own association of women in media? It is time, in those situations that you find yourself in, nothing stops you from creating and formalising networks of encouragement and sharing wisdom. We as the elders would love to connect with you,” Cerf told the audience.

Madonsela urged women to stop with the “pull her down syndrome” and to instead, uplift each other. 

“I think as women, the day we stop seeing each other as competition, is the day where we’ll be able to hold each other’s hands and elevate together. We need to fix each other’s crowns as women; let’s grow together,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Geleba encouraged students to identify mentors and bring their full identities into the workplace.
“I think that it’s important for women to really be there for each other, whether it’s by way of mentorship and providing support, and as young people who are going into the workplace. I think that it’s important to identify women that resonate with you, maybe whose careers you know, career paths that you’d like to follow and build relationships with them.

“There’s literally nothing that should stand in the way of young women reaching their full potential. And another thing in the workplace is to bring yourself in your fullness,” she said. 

The panel concluded with a call to action for young communicators to use technology responsibly, champion credible information, and support one another in the pursuit of excellence. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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While artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the way government communicates with its citizenry, its adoption must be ethical, inclusive, and rooted in African realities.

This is according to the Head of Digital Communications in the Presidency, Athi Geleba, who was speaking at the annual Women in Media and Communication panel discussion hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday.

Hosted in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT),  the session was held under the theme: “Leveraging the use of AI in Education, Media and Communication.”

Geleba stressed that while she is not an AI expert, her experience in digital media has shown how powerful the technology is in reshaping society, work, and communication.

“AI is both exciting and an inevitable development and it’s important for all of us to be part of the conversation. AI impacts our lives in some way, shape or form. It is transforming how we live, work, and communicate and in very fundamental ways.

“It can also help government with improving operational efficiencies and improve our ability to respond in real time and effectively to service delivery challenges,” she said. 

Geleba cited Google-led research adding that Africa’s AI future must be accessible, relevant, ethical, and data-sovereign. She also pointed to the African Union’s 2024 continental AI strategy and South Africa’s National AI Policy Framework, which seek to ensure responsible, inclusive adoption of the technology.

She added that AI could improve multilingual content creation, crisis communication, citizen engagement, and real-time translation of government information, such as the President’s weekly newsletter. It could also assist with sentiment analysis to help government become more responsive on social media platforms.

Risks 

However, Geleba cautioned against the exclusion of poor and rural communities, misinformation, bias, data misuse, and potential loss of public trust.

She said that ethical concerns remain significant because artificial intelligence carries the potential for bias, misinformation and disinformation.

“There is a risk of job displacement, increased unemployment, and a widening digital divide, which risks further exclusion of our poor and rural communities. AI must be human led, because tools don’t have lived experiences, cultural nuance, or emotional intelligence. Authentic storytelling must remain at the heart of communication,” she explained.

Digital skills and service

She called for practical digital skills training for public servants, the integration of AI in government systems, and transparency in how tools are used. 

On how government communications can leverage AI, Geleba said there is a need for a digital public service while also adding the urgent need to transform the public sector capacity if the country is to deliver services that are fit for the 21st century. 

“We need 21st century government communications leadership and as government communicators, and indeed, the entire public service. We cannot afford to be left behind, we need to be leading the transformation. We need the policy execution. We currently do have the framework, but we must implement policies and not just write them. 

Geleba further emphasised the importance of practical training in digital transformation for communicators and public servants, adding that it is equally critical to begin integrating AI into systems and workflows.

“There will come a time when AI proficiency is a baseline requirement in the workplace. As government communicators, we are an integral part of the conversation around artificial intelligence, because government communications is at the heart of accountability of our democracy,” she said. 

Leaving no one behind

She urged young people particularly women to embrace AI as an opportunity. 

“We don’t want to be left behind. Our solutions must come from us, and we’re talking about an AI that is Africa-led then it means that the apps must come from us, the solutions must come from us. We understand our communities…[and] the challenges that we face. 

“And from a government communications perspective, especially because you are students and going into the future, you need to consider the fact that careers are not what they were two years ago. You need to be agile in terms of how you think about those opportunities to say that, okay, how can I integrate these new technologies to ensure that I stay ahead of the curve,” she said.

Geleba said the digital shift presents an opportunity for government communicators to transform. 

“We can work faster, smarter, be more inclusive, and we can deliver information that is accurate. We can deliver it timely, and we can make an impact. But I think the goal is simple. 

“We want to build high performance public service organisations that are able to harness data, that are able to use digital tools, and that are able to integrate AI. What we want to do is to serve society, but deliver real impact, and I think that as communicators, it is us who must lead the change,” she said at the session held at the university’s Pretoria campus. – SAnews.gov.za

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