Johannesburg: The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has imposed conditions on the approval of its budget vote report for the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS). The conditions have been forwarded to the Standing Committee on Appropriations in line with section 10(5) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act 9 of 2009.

According to African Press Organization, this decision stems from the committee's concerns that the strategic and annual performance plans of the GCIS and the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) for 2025-2030 and 2025/26, respectively, lack clarity and measurable targets.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms. Khusela Sangoni Diko, stated that the committee recommends the approval of the budget with a provision for legislative reform within twelve months to ensure a guiding policy instrument for government communications. Ms. Diko emphasized the need for GCIS to expedite reform of the laws governing MDDA, Brand South Africa, and government media expenditure. Additionally, the committee requires GCIS to submit quarterly performance reports on the implementation of the government communication policy framework.

Furthermore, these conditions also pertain to the MDDA, which must clarify its strategy for transitioning community radio stations to self-transmission. The committee has also urged the MDDA to provide a fundraising strategy with clear and measurable targets.

The GCIS budget is scheduled for debate under vote 4 on Friday, 4 July 2025, during a mini plenary session of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber from 13:00 to 15:00.