15 Aug 2018

A new era has dawned at Botswana Government Communications and Information System (BGCIS) following the redeployment of long time director Dr Jeff Ramsey to Botswana Public Service College.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi on August 14 introduced the new government spokesperson, Mr John-Thomas Dipowe to the media fraternity during a courtesy call the Botswana Editors Forum paid on him.

Mr Dipowe, a career diplomat and trained journalist, has promised sweeping changes in the flow of information to change negative perceptions about BGCIS.

In an interview with BOPA, Mr Dipowe revealed that he had vast experience in government operations.

An experienced communications professional, Mr Dipowe has an impressive track record in public relations, communications and specialises in speech writing.

He said he intended engaging the media regularly to dispel all misconceptions about government operations.

Mr Dipowe promised sound government-media relationship to avoid speculation which he said  could only be achieved by ensuring that BGCIS played a crucial part in communicating government policies, programmes and other developments to the media.

“As government we cannot keep on rebutting news stories from private press and the only way we could avoid that is to communicate so that we reduce fake news or false stories,” he said nonchalantly.

He stressed the importance of regular media engagement and involvement of all stakeholders in communicating pertinent information that should be shared with the public. 

“The relationship between government and media does not have to be adversarial as we are both partners in the development of the country, so it is important that as government we always clarify issues to the media before they start publishing their own imaginary stories,” he said.

He said government intended establishing a fully fledged press office to ensure flow of information for easy dissemination to the public. 

He said all government decisions would be communicated timely to close gaps in people’s understanding adding that perceptions could either destroy or build the nation.

Mr Dipowe joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon obtaining his BA Journalism and International Relations in 1990 from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.

He has served as deputy permanent secretary in the ministries of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration and International Affairs and Cooperation as well as director in the Department of Multilateral Affairs.

As a diplomat, he has served in Botswana missions in the United States and Ethiopia as well as in Jowhar, Somalia as AU senior political advisor and head of the AU Liaison Office. In addition, he has served as a desk officer for SADC, SACU and the African Union.

Between 2009 and 2011,  he was senior private secretary to the vice president. ENDS