(Department of Communication Science, University of the Free State, 2013) Kunguma, Olivia; Terblanche, Lydie
A crisis communication plan facilitates the effective flow of information between
relevant organisation(s) and a community affected by a crisis. In 2010 the Frances
Baard District Municipality, situated in the Northern Cape, commissioned the
development of a crisis communication plan for the municipality. It was to be
developed in consultation with various stakeholders. Once developed, the plan
had to be reviewed and serve as an educational document that could be used
by other municipalities. The study found that drafting a crisis communication
plan has to include best communication practices for each anticipated problem
and effective implementation. Continuous evaluation and updating of the plan
are necessary to ensure that critical business functions are not jeopardised in the
event of a crisis.