This section provides answers to questions frequently asked about the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), its products, services and functions.
Q: Where do I find information on government and government-related issues?
Visit the Contact your government page for information directories.
The SA Government Online website provides government information, as well as access to government websites.
The SA Government Online website provides information about government services to South African residents, organisations and businesses and foreign nationals who need services from the South African government.
FAQs on government and government-related issues are available on the SA Government Online website.
Q: Where do I get a photograph of the President and other Cabinet members?
Q: Where do I get electronic and other copies of the Coat of Arms?
Q: What are communication clusters and which are they?
A: Clusters foster an integrated approach to governance that is aimed at improving government planning, decision making and service delivery. The main objective is to ensure proper coordination of all government programmes at national and provincial levels.
The main functions of the clusters are to ensure the alignment of government wide priorities, facilitate and monitor the implementation of priority programmes and to provide a consultative platform on cross-cutting priorities and matters being taken to Cabinet.
Chair: Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti.
Deputy Chair: Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor.
Chair: Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini.
Deputy Chair: Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga.
Chair: Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba.
Deputy Chair: Minister of Public Service and Administration, Mr Collins Chabane.
Chair: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
Deputy Chair: Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Nhleko.
Q: How do I get hold of the South Africa Yearbook?
A: The SA Yearbook and Pocket Guide to South Africa are available online on the website.
Q: How do I get hold of the contact directories?
A: The National Government Contact Directory, Local Government Directory, Directory of Contacts, and Media Directory are available online on the website. Access these directories from the Contact directories page.
Changes can be sent to information@gcis.gov.za.
Q: How do I get hold of Profile?
A: Profile is only available online on the Gov.za website from the Profile page.
Q: How do I get hold of the Faces of Government poster?
Q: Does government provide a news service?
A:The South African Government News Agency (formerly known as BuaNews) is one of the services of the Chief Directorate: Government and Media Liaison. This government news service provides media and readers locally and internationally with government news and information. Media can use articles from the Agency at no charge.
Q: How do I subscribe to receive SAnews.gov.za stories by e-mail?
A: Please visit the SAnews.gov.za website and follow the link to subscribe.
Q: How does the GCIS coordinate government communication efforts in provinces?
The GCIS provincial offices participate in communication forums in the provinces and work together with provincial communication counterparts.
Regional offices play a supportive role in setting up communication forums at district or local level.
Regional offices share the core messages and content of the national government communication strategy with their provincial communication counterparts.
Q: Does the GCIS provide funding for development and poverty alleviation programmes such as brick-making, baking, dress-making, feeding schemes and the starting of SMMEs?
A: No, but we will be able to provide you with contact information for organisations to send such requests to, including local governments, provincial departments of economic development, and agencies such as Khula Enterprises, the National Development Agency, SMME support centres and the Land Bank.
For more information, please complete the information enquiry form.
Q: What is the MDDA?