Manyi said government welcomed media criticism, but it was also important for the media to “pass on” government information to all South Africans, especially on issues of service delivery.

“We have content, please pass it on … Government is serious about information getting to the people, we don’t apologise about that.”

Manyi was speaking in the context of the Cabinet having approved the “Government Communication Strategy.”

“This strategy will ensure … change in communication, underpinned by the support from Government Commutation and Information System (GCIS),” he said.

He said that government’s Vukuzenzele magazine would be transformed into a monthly tabloid.

Social media platforms would also form part of government’s communication channels.

“Approval of the strategy will also see a return to government’s centralised approach to media buying.

“GCIS will procure media space/airtime for national departments in order to realize economies of scale. Government, through the GCIS, will monitor and enforce adherence to the government brand,” he said.