Govt. launches Integrated Media Reporting System

Government has launched the Integrated Media Reporting System (IMRS), which will strengthen media monitoring, information management, analysis and reporting across institutions under the Ministry of Information and Media. Speaking during the orientation meeting on the IMRS,…

Government has launched the Integrated Media Reporting System (IMRS), which will strengthen media monitoring, information management, analysis and reporting across institutions under the Ministry of Information and Media.

Speaking during the orientation meeting on the IMRS, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, says the system developed by the ministry will enable it to move from fragmented reporting arrangements to a coordinated and integrated reporting framework that supports evidence-based decision-making.

He said the system will also support the ministry in monitoring the implementation of the eight presidential priorities under the presidential delivery unit, the country’s growth agenda and El Niño-related matters.

Mr Kawana stated that the system will help strengthen the ministry’s ability to track achievements, identify challenges, measure impact and provide accurate updates on government programmes and interventions.

He has since urged institutions to support officers nominated to use the system and embrace the IMRS as a strategic tool for improving institutional performance, government communication and reporting.

Mr Kawana commended the Ministry’s Information Communication Technology Unit, Planning Department and other officers involved in developing the system for their efforts.

And Ministry of Information and Media Chief Planner, Peggy Zulu said the introduction of the IMRS is an important step towards modernising the collection, management, analysis and reporting of information.

Ms Zulu said the system is expected to enhance coordination, improve the timeliness and accuracy of reporting, and support effective planning and decision-making.

She said the digital platform will help government institutions improve efficiency and provide timely feedback on achievements and programmes particularly the presidential deliveries.

Ms Zulu encouraged participants to actively participate in the orientation and raise questions to ensure they fully understand how the new system works.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Information and Media Information Technology Senior Systems Analyst, David Mwape said successful adoption of the IMRS will improve institutional performance, coordination between the ministry and institutions under it as well as government line ministries and tracking of government  programmes and priorities.

Mr Mwape said the system will also provide reliable historical information, strengthen accountability for submitted information and improve evidence-based planning and decision-making.

The workshop held at the Mass Media Complex was attended by some media heads, Independent Broadcasting Authority Director General Webster Malido, ICT experts, and senior government officials among others.