MAGOEBASKLOOF – SAPS Communication officers from the Vhembe, Mopani, Capricorn and Waterberg area offices and journalists gathered at the Magoebaskloof Ruskamp on Wednesday to review their communication strategies and to draw up a working plan for the coming year.

The journalists included delegates from different newspapers and radio stations in the province.

The communication officers and the journalists were also improving their interaction as they work together on a daily basis. Guests looked at the way they could improve their relationship for the maximum benefit of the public. The function served as a get together event as the majority of the SAPS communication officers and journalists only interact through telephone calls without knowing each other in person.

The SAPS provincial communication head in the province, Senior Superintendent Motlafela Mojapelo, said it is important for police communication officers to develop a tight working relationship with journalists to convey information to the public. He further said that the SAPS communication officers need assistance from journalists to send information to the public without difficulty. Mojapelo also passed his gratitude to the SAPS communication officers and the local journalists for their hard work and dedication.

Speaking on the behalf of the journalists, Frank Maponya of Sowetan (Limpopo Bureau) said he appreciates the cooperation which journalists get from the SAPS communication officers when they need information for publication. Maponya further said the job of the journalists is now far easier as they have access to information from the police without any difficulty. He concluded by saying that the journalists have enjoyed a good working year with the SAPS and they are looking for an enjoyable coming season of hard work.