Ramaphosa leads the digital race, but SA ‘needs leaders who are present’ – report

The 6th edition of its annual South African Government Leaders on X (formerly Twitter) Report, themed “Year of Reckoning and Resilience. Picture: Decode. Decode, a Pan-African strategic communications and advisory firm, released the 6th edition of its annual South African Government Leaders on X (formerly Twitter) Report, themed “Year of Reckoning and Resilience on Thursday.

The study analyses how government institutions, beyond political principles, engage citizens digitally during a year marked by accountability crises, operational pressure, and public scrutiny. In a country where citizens have expressed anger and frustration over issues like potholes, rising food prices, water shortages, and crime, X has emerged as a virtual imbizo. Citizens are demanding direct engagement and meaningful dialogue with their leaders.

The report assessed how government leaders use X to engage with citizens and comes at a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democratic journey. The nation is navigating its first government of national unity (GNU) and grappling with pressing socio-economic challenges, including international pressure from the United States on alleged white genocide and global issues. Earlier this week, government leaders gathered at an extended Cabinet meeting to assess plans and priorities for the year ahead, emphasising fiscal discipline, economic stability, and targeted funding to support the government’s key priorities. Lorato Tshenkeng, CEO of Decode Communications, emphasised the need for meaningful engagement.