The Communication Cluster: Too late for credibility?

In a modern democracy, communication matters. If you are running a government, you need to be able to communicate effectively and quickly with citizens. Sometimes you need to explain what is being done to help those who've lost relatives in Nigeria. Sometimes it's a request to switch off your geysers in the evening, and sometimes it's to warn of impending natural disasters. For all of this, credibility is of the essence. It matters more than anything. If you get communication right as a government, it can make life much easier for you. Which is why it's so odd that it is neglected by this government to such a great extent – and it appears that neglect is only going to deepen. By STEPHEN GROOTES.