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Govt to explore social media communications
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PDF Social media will become a key communication tool, as governments search for ways to improve ICT access to citizens, says the Department of Communications (DOC).
Speaking at the Pan African Conference on access to information in Cape Town, deputy Communications minister, Obed Bapela, noted the growth in the use of social networks.
According to Bapela the majority of citizens in African countries are using various social media networks and governments needed to explore ways of effectively using such platforms to communicate and promote access to information.
“Our major task as African Governments is to ensure that we rapidly roll-out info-infrastructure to promote access to information and promote free flow of information and ideas,” Bapela explained.
The conference would discuss the right of access to information and practical access through ICTs as well as promotion of access to information amongst various roles players.
He added that continental and international support was crucial, adding that the Africa Union, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and other organisations were key in improving ICT access in rural areas.
“The advent of internet and smart phones presents us with an opportunity as a community of nations to accelerate our efforts to continually promote access to information especially to our people in rural areas,” Bapela stated.
