Decode Communications unveiled its fifth edition of the South African Government Leaders on X Report at a high-profile event in Sandton on January 28.
The event’s report evaluated how government leaders engage with citizens on X, formerly known as Twitter and highlighted the growing importance of digital communication in South Africa’s democracy.
According to Lorato Tshenkeng, CEO of Decode Communications, as the country navigates its first Government of National Unity (GNU), citizens increasingly turn to social media platforms such as X to hold their leaders accountable and demand direct engagement on critical issues.
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“The report underscores how these platforms play a pivotal role in fostering transparency, accountability, and trust between South African leaders and the citizens,” he said.
He added in a country where issues such as potholes, rising food prices, water shortages, and crime dominated public discourse, X had emerged as a virtual imbizo. In this space, citizens demand direct engagement and meaningful dialogue with their leaders.
Tshenkeng emphasised the importance of transparency and genuine dialogue in this digital space.
“We need leaders that are present. X cannot just be used to push announcements and create an illusion of activity. There are burning issues in our country and we call on our leaders to embrace transparency, empathy, and the courage to have difficult but necessary conversations with the people they serve.”
He pointed out that the report also highlighted that while more cabinet ministers have joined X, the level of engagement and its impact remained disappointing, signalling a need for more interactive and responsive leadership online.
Key findings from the 2025 report
For the fifth year in a row, Decode Communications has tracked how South African government leaders use X. The 2025 edition expands the analysis to include deputy ministers, providing a broader view of digital engagement within government. Here are some of the key findings:
Top performers on X:
- Most followed: President Cyril Ramaphosa leads with 2.95 million followers, followed by Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa (682k) and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi (569k).
- Most engaged: Ramaphosa, Lesufi, and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie are among the top figures for engagement.
- Most engaging: McKenzie, Lesufi, and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube are recognised for their proactive and interactive communication styles.
Verification and credibility gaps:
- Only 10 of the 34 ministers on X have verified accounts, raising concerns about credibility in an era of rampant misinformation.
- Four ministers have inactive accounts: Sindisiwe Chikunga, Barbara Creecy, Mzamo Buthelezi, and Velenkosini Hlabisa.
Crisis-driven engagement:
- Crises and controversies, rather than policy announcements or service delivery updates, drive higher levels of engagement, pointing to a reactive communication approach among many leaders.
Newcomers shine:
- Newly appointed ministers, including Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber (200.46% growth), Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube (108.11% growth), and McKenzie (39.99% growth), saw significant growth in followers, indicating the public’s desire for fresh voices in government.
Declining engagement among cabinet spokespeople:
- There has been a notable decline in the activity of cabinet spokespeople on X, with many accounts lying dormant or underutilized.
- The report calls on government leaders to rethink how they use social media to connect with citizens, with an emphasis on meaningful interaction rather than one-way announcements.
“By expanding its scope to include deputy ministers, this edition offers a more comprehensive reflection of how government leaders use the platform, which we hope they can use to benefit every South African, beyond any political affiliation. They need to think more about fostering transparency, building trust, and driving meaningful public discourse.”
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He said the report’s theme, The Year of Two Halves, reflected the dual challenge of the outgoing administration’s legacy-building efforts and the new administration’s mandate to rebuild trust and offer a clear vision.
“It highlights how social media, particularly X, played a key role in facilitating communication during this transition.”
Tshenkeng pointed out that as South Africa moved forward in the era of coalition governance, the need for strong, strategic digital leadership had never been more pressing.
“The South African Government Leaders on X Report serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping public trust and engagement.”
Tshenkeng concluded, by stating that South Africa deserved leadership that speaks not only to its challenges but to its hope and resilience. It’s time to lead the conversation and the nation forward.
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