Masemola says trust in government at 36%, urges better municipal communication

By Lebone Rodah Mosima 

Deputy cooperative governance minister Dickson Masemola has warned that trust in government has fallen to 36%, and told municipal communicators they must be “at the tip of the spear” with proactive messaging as misinformation spreads fast.

Masemola was speaking at the 9th SALGA National Communicators’ Forum at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

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He cited the Edelman Trust Barometer for 2024/2025, which he said showed trust in government at 36%, “which represents 7% trust growth from the previous 29% in 2024”.

 He also referenced the South African Social Attitudes Survey released in July 2025, saying it showed declining trust between public institutions and society.

“We need communication that is proactive, strategic and anticipatory, communication at the tip of the spear,” Masemola said. “This means framing issues early, addressing concerns honestly, and managing