RECENT WORK.
The following is a selection of my recent strategic communications work.
Paid media campaigns
I’ve worked on numerous paid media campaigns, either working closely with global media buy agencies or implementing the targeting and budget allocation myself. Escape the Same was a campaign aimed at raising awareness of Airbnb’s work to support inclusive tourism in South Africa and encourage domestic travel to the Waterberg region in Limpopo, told through the lens of hosts like Moji, Lizzie and Liorna and their unique listings and experiences. I worked with government and NGO partners and promoted the campaign on Meta, X, Linkedin and digital ads to a policymaker and frequent traveller audience.
Multimedia production
Working closely with in-house and freelance videographers, directors and editors, I’ve produced a number of documentaries and short videos. Examples include ‘Justice for Nosipho Mandleleni’, which aired on SABC’s Special Assignment and Sonke’s 10 year anniversary video. For Airbnb, I’ve produced a video series on hosts across Africa including Nana from Accra, Ghana and a video telling the story of ‘The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy’ in South Africa. The ‘Support Jozi, Shop Local’ video tells the story of a small business campaign I ran in partnership with SnapScan in Johannesburg post-Covid.
Photoshoot production
I work closely with photographers to bring human stories to life, such as the ‘Get Behind The Mask’ shoot I produced for Airbnb and a photo series for Sonke Gender Justice’s Positive Fatherhood campaign. Photo credit © Samantha Reinders.
Radio drama production
With funding from Community Media Fund, a Bloomberg Media Initiative, I successfully implemented the Radio Waves project, which aimed to increase the quantity and improve the quality of local language programming on gender equality and gender-based violence on community and campus radio stations in South Africa. The Safe Ride radio drama, which aired on radio stations around the country, drew attention to the issue of sexual harassment on taxis.
Website development and management
I am experienced at working closely with website developers and other stakeholders to launch new websites and fine-tune existing ones, always ensuring current best practice is followed in terms of user experience and design. I am equally experienced at managing websites and creating dynamic content.
Annual Reports
My experience as a magazine editor means that producing, eye-catching, impactful reports is second nature to me. I understand the importance of strong imagery and ensure that compelling, accurate copy is accompanied by pictures telling a powerful story.
Factsheets
By transforming complex ideas into concise and accessible messages, I have produced communications materials for a variety of audiences. Examples include factsheets on the issue of sexual harassment and the gendered impact of drought.
Media liaison
I am highly experienced in media liaison including writing and editing impactful press releases that guarantee media coverage, organising press briefings that offer media strong content and drafting key messages and talking points. As well as coaching colleagues on delivering strong interviews, I have conducted interviews myself on radio and television.
Newsletters
Whether part of an internal or external communications strategy, newsletters offer an excellent way of getting a message directly into inboxes. Ensuring they are read, requires regular sending and compelling content. Photo credit: © Alexandra Shoneyin
Capacity building
Together with technical experts, I have developed trainings for the media on reporting sensitively on issues of gender-based violence and migration. I have also developed and run workshops for community activists on citizen journalism in Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES.
The following is a selection of recent written work.
Prisoners: South Africa’s forgotten population
Sonke Gender Justice
How Nelson Mandela helped free the women of South Africa
The Telegraph
Mapped by Stars
BA Highlife