15 December 2000
The Presidency has noted some confusion in media reports on the appointment of Mr. Bheki Khumalo to the Presidency and his position in the broadened structure of the Communications Component. This statement is intended to clarify any misunderstandings about the structure of the communications component.
Mr. Khumalo interviewed successfully for a post, Director: Media Liaison, that existed, previously vacant, under the supervision of Mr. Parks Mankahlana, Chief Director: Communications. Mr. Mankahlana's duties included the management of the entire communications component, including media liaison, speech-writing and communications research. Mr. Khumalo's appointment does not bring to an end the search for more top-class professionals that were advertised very recently in week-end newspapers. His is but one of a number of senior posts being sought by the Presidency. The advertised posts include the Head of the Communications Team, the Spokesperson for the President, professionals in the field of economics and policy development, researchers, speech drafters and knowledge management specialists. The closing date for the remaining posts is the 20th of December 2000. These advertisements are in line with the restructuring that has been taking place in the Presidency over the past year. The Director-General, the Rev Frank Chikane has stressed that the search is on for people of the highest ability and integrity to bring creative minds to bear on the growing number of major issues dealt with by the Presidency. Reverend Chikane explains: "Daily we face new pressures and challenges on the communications front, both locally and abroad.
This has happened because of South Africa's continuing high standing in Africa and the world, and the obvious challenges that flow from this. We need to carry forward the restructuring in an environment of maximum openness and effective communication with all sectors of the population, and notably all branches of the media. We have firm plans to ensure this, which will unfold as time goes by. We believe that there is a pool of top-quality, representative professional South Africans available who are keen and able to share, at high level, in the communications and related tasks we face. It is our intention to tap that pool for the benefit of The Presidency and the country."
Issued by: Office of the Presidency
Enquiries: Tasneem Carrim Communications The Presidency Private Bag X1000 Pretoria 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 319 1500 Fax: +27 (0)12 323 6080 Cell: +27 (0)83 650 7119