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The communication function of the government of Mozambique

The communication function of the government of Mozambique. A review of challenges and opportunities Elena Serrano, November 2008. Background.

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The communication function of the government of Mozambique

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  1. The communication function of the government of Mozambique A review of challenges and opportunities Elena Serrano, November 2008

  2. Background • This presentation is a summary of the report “The Communication Function of the Government of Mozambique: a Review of Challenges and Opportunities” by Elena Serrano, completed on behalf of the Development Communications Division of the World Bank in April, 2008.

  3. Contents of the report • The Vision • Institutions and Mandate • The Practice • GABINFO • ICS • Press Officers in Ministries • Public sector media • The Challenges • The Opportunities • Suggested interventions to improve communications

  4. Definition and Principles • “Communications is the process through which human beings create messages, exchange information and establish dialogue, thus enabling social order” • Pluralism, freedom of the press, citizens’ right to freedom of expression, right to information, absence of censorship, investigative responsibility of journalists, diversity as a national value, national coverage of media Resolution 3/97 – Boletim da Republica de Mozambique, February 25, 1997

  5. Objectives of government communications • Consolidate national unity • Promote cultural values • Foster development • Defend democracy • Contribute to the increase of trust in government • Contribute to the participation of citizens in democratic institutions Resolution 3/97 – Boletim da Republica de Mozambique, February 25, 1997

  6. Areas for strategic action • Public sector consolidation • Institutional strengthening • Judicial – legal framework • Dissemination of government activities • Support to private media development • Regional and international cooperation Resolution 3/97 – Boletim da Republica de Mozambique, February 25, 1997

  7. Institutions and Mandate • Porta voz du Goberno • On behalf of the PM and the Council of Ministers • GABINFO • Estatuto Organico Decree 2/2005, Boletim da Republica de Mozambique August 29, 2005 • Instituto de Comunicaçao Social • Estatuto Organico Decree 1/89. Reformed Estatuto, Boletim da Republica de Mozambique, December 8, 2004 • Adidos de Imprensa • Tutelas: RM, TVM, AIM • Public sector media whose independence is guaranteed by the State, under the tutela of GABINFO for administrative purposes

  8. Challenges • The perceived quality of government communications • The evaluation of the institutions and of the practices of state information and communication • The culture of secrecy • The questionable openness of the government • The perceived capture of the state • The lack of listening mechanisms • The lack of professional capacity, infrastructure and technology • The aftermath of February 5, 2008

  9. Opportunities • The constitutional and legal framework • The vision and the mandate of the communication function • The development of private media • The increasing demand from civil society • Radio Mozambique • Community radios • The lessons of February 5, 2008

  10. Suggested interventions • The communication function of the Government of Mozambique should pursue four main objectives which feed into each other in a virtuous circle: • Demonstrate openness • Build trust • Foster responsiveness • Allocate resources • The interventions suggested are conducive to promote dialogue between authorities and citizens, thus enhancing the “public sphere” through transparency and good governance

  11. Demonstrate openness • Freedom of Information Act • Budget design and consultation • Design, production and updating of government internet portals • Availability of officials to the media • President of the Republic and Prime Minister • Network of press officers in Ministries • Presence in districts and community radios • Actas parlamentarias

  12. Build trust • Distinction between information and communication • Setting of communication standards • Critical public debate • Improvement in transparency

  13. Foster responsiveness • Survey on problems and expectations • Scan of community radios • Analysis of RM call in programs • Media monitoring and content analysis • Web metrics

  14. Allocate resources • Capacity building in stakeholder consultation, strategic communication, public relations and outreach, partnerships, standards and behaviors • Technology for communications • Research instruments • Community radios • Parliament

  15. Toward cultural change • The suggested interventions, if taken together in a systemic way, can bring about the desired cultural change that will strengthen the communication function of the Government of Mozambique • The process leading to openness and trust between citizens and authorities can be a painful and uncertain road to travel, but pays off in the long term • The people and the government of Mozambique deserve nothing less

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