COVID-19: Sacci CEO calls for better communication on super variant
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the government could have handled communication of the outbreak of a new Covid-19 variant better. CEO Allan Mukoki said the announcement had clearly caused panic as evidenced by the immediate ban on travel from the region by Europe. Quote: ``No purpose is served by communicating in a manner that adds to more volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity": unquote. He joins CNBC Africa for more.
Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:40:19 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The importance of transparent and effective communication during crises to avoid panic and market disruptions.
- The impact of travel bans on South Africa's reputation and the need for a coordinated approach to address biases and prejudices.
- The necessity of clear and proactive communication regarding vaccine efficacy and non-pharmaceutical interventions to combat the spread of misinformation.
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has criticized the government's handling of communication regarding the new COVID-19 variant. CEO Alan Mukoki expressed concerns about the panic sparked by the announcement, leading to immediate travel bans from Europe. Mukoki emphasized the need for transparency and compliance with global health protocols but stressed the importance of effective communication strategies to avoid adding volatility and uncertainty. He highlighted the risk of creating anxiety and market disruptions without offering clear solutions. The interview on CNBC Africa delved into the implications of the initial travel bans and the repercussions on South Africa's image. Mukoki urged for a more coordinated approach involving communication experts to navigate crises without fueling biases or prejudices. With uncertainty surrounding the new variant's impact on vaccines, Mukoki called for clear, proactive communication and heightened non-pharmaceutical interventions. He emphasized the role of credible information dissemination to combat misinformation and urged for a proactive stance to stay ahead of false narratives.