Bonnie Ramaila
Groblersdal
Summary
Results-driven Marketing Executive with over 20 years of experience across government and private sectors. Expertise in communication, stakeholder relations, and media landscapes, combined with a comprehensive understanding of socio-economic and political dynamics. Committed to leading organisational growth and transformation in the digital age.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Content Development Writer/ Media Liaison
African National Congress
Johannesbug
07.2023 - Current
- Content Research and Development: research and develop content to drive ANC position, develop monthly, weekly (& project) content plan with key messages for the organisation and ensure they are aligned with government messages, edit and proofread ANC's publications (ANC Today and NEC Bulletin); write articles, edit incoming contributions from various Volunteers.
- Provided strategic leadership to create products and platforms that ensured coherence, coordination, consistency, quality, and responsiveness in ANC communication.
- Led digital content communication, developed content strategies and implemented plans while ensuring coordination of digital communication and media production for the ANC.
- Strategy Development & Implementation: develop communication plans for the various key events and projects viz; January 8, Mayihlome, Siyanqoba Rallies NEC Meetings and the ANC structures such as Women's League and Veterans League and International Relations Subcommittee projects.
- Project Management: manage and oversee execution of various projects of the organisation for the various regions, affiliates Women's League, Veterans League Youth League and active Sub-Committees, and coordinate and manage cross functional group work across all units, structures with the regional and provincial offices.
- Managed media at press conferences, coordinated interviews, and developed media advisories and statements to inform the public on decisions and respond to various issues.
- Stakeholder Relations: manage relations with the media and volunteers with needed skill set; co-ordinate cross functional work across regions and provinces and manage work at a national level for provinces and regions to utilise.
- Led a team of professionals and volunteers to coordinate projects, address HR issues, and foster positive team dynamics.
- General: oversee branding and marketing of the organisation and reputation management, and facilitate and moderate commissions at workshops and conferences, scribing and writing reports.
Chief Executive
Woman Radio
11.2019 - 06.2023
- Development of strategies: Developed and implemented business and corporate marketing strategies for the radio station, aligning policies with industry standards.
- Strategic Leadership: Provided strategic leadership and direction for the station and initiated thought leadership content for various radio programmes for marketing purposes and for growing listenership and audience.
- Team Management: Effectively managed teams of executives and professional staff; facilitated team building to foster relations and create company culture for the organisation; led various teams - creative team, producers and presenters; managed performance management and appraisals.
- Stakeholder relations/partnerships: Established and nurtured strategic partnerships within the marketing industry, effectively managing stakeholder engagement and collaboration with media, creative, and PR agencies.
- Marketing Activities: performed all corporate marketing activities - acted as Chief Marketing Officer; managed marketing, PR, digital and social media activities; managed sponsorships for various programmes; led and launched the developedment of the company new branding; develop content for digital and social media platforms, including website and social media; benchmarked regularly with the online and digital broadcasting trends; good understanding of the corporate marketing and media landscape in South Africa and internationally.
- Monitoring and evaluations: Monitored and evaluated performance of the station through analytics in terms of audience and listenership.
- General: Oversaw operational, strategic, and financial performance of the station, managed budgeting and funding sourcing, and reported quarterly to the Board on progress and financial status.
Executive Director: Country Head
African Women in Business (AWIB)
02.2018 - 12.2019
- Leadership: led and managed Country Heads (12 countries), coordinated plans, and oversaw marketing and investment activities while facilitating cross-functional collaboration across countries.
- Stakeholder Relations: Worked across various countries and stakeholders across Africa and internationally; built strategic partnerships with all relevant business and economic stakeholders in government and international organisations eg. SADC; BRICS and AU; Built and engaged with various stakeholders across all sectors and managed collaborations to push South Africa's business tourism and investment agenda through activities taking place in partner countries.
- Marketing: promoted South African brand and created brand awareness through initiatives, marketed South African investment and tourism opportunities to counterparts, oversaw corporate marketing activities, and managed PR, digital and social media platforms and content creation.
- Strategic: ensured increased focus on international business tourism marketing.
- Other: contributed to growth and development of women, and job creation and investment opportunities across various sectors. Supported transformation agenda for women in economy and other industries.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO): owner of the consultancy
The Favoured Individual Consultant
09.2017 - 12.2019
- Founded communication consultancy to deliver tailored business, marketing, and communication services, enhancing client engagement and strategic outcomes.
- SERVICES OFFERED TO CLIENTS: Stakeholder Relations: develop stakeholder relations plan, mapping and matrix for clients, oversee its implementation, and manage stakeholder relations across various teams within an organisation.
- Public Relations: develop PR strategy for clients as per brief. The PR covers reputation management, crisis management and publicity. Interact with media TV, radio, print and digital. Create publicity around clients' services/products. Assess client's business (brand) undertake benchmarking against its competitors in the sector; scan the media and marketing environment to advise clients on business and media landscape; perform media monitoring and analysis to assess the impact on client's reputation; adhere to legal and statutory requirements in media.
- Marketing & Communications: develop and implement integrated corporate marketing communication (IMC) strategies and plans, offer advice on communication landscape and manage marketing and communication projects.
- Digital Marketing/Social Media: develop digital marketing and social media strategy and oversee execution; execute all content and information for social media platforms; drive awareness of campaigns through social media; and streamline digital and social media presence for client's campaigns and as per brief.
- Content Writing: research writing, copywriting (for publications) digital writing (for social media and digital marketing), speech-writing, proofreading, and editing; content writing in various topics & issues across all sectors; research industry-related topics; proofread and edit various content prior to publication on blogs, social media, websites, strategic documents, internal electronic newsletters, etc. and turn ideas and thoughts into content and story.
- Executed business evaluations and due diligence for clients, identifying potential collaborations, partnerships, and investment opportunities that align with their strategic goals.
- Acting Roles: take up acting (ad-hoc) assignments in Executive roles for Corporate Services/ or Corporate Communications to lead and collaborate with all departments and cross-functional teams to assist in providing solutions to managing related unit's matters.
- Developed moderation and facilitation plans, coordinated logistics for webinars, public lectures, and strategic planning sessions, and compiled comprehensive reports on conference outcomes to inform ongoing projects.
Head of Communications (Director Level)
The Presidency
03.2011 - 08.2017
- Strategy Development: developed and implemented communication, brand, marketing and PR strategy for the department.
- Media Liaison: Handled media liaison for the department and the Minister; briefed and advised the Minister, Deputy Minister on communication and media environment and landscape; Acted as a Spokesperson for the department and the Minister in the Presidency.
- Stakeholder relations and management: Built and maintained relationships with media and key stakeholders, including GIZ, EU, World Bank, and AU, to enhance departmental visibility and influence.
- Content development: Developed and coordinated content for internal and external publications of the Presidency, including media statements, strategic reports, and cabinet documents, ensuring clarity and alignment with departmental objectives.
- HR & performance management: Led a team by providing guidance, coaching, and performance management, implementing strategies to address performance issues and foster a motivated and effective work environment.
Head of Communications & Stakeholder Relations
The Council for the Built Environment
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Developed stakeholder relations and management strategy; oversaw implementation and coordinated communications for entity and Board of Directors (Council).
- Drafted and edited press releases, newsletters, and web content, maintaining brand consistency.
- Managed internal communications, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing employee engagement.
- Collaborated with senior management to align communication goals with overall business objectives.
Deputy Director: Marketing
Government Communications (GCIS)
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Developed and implemented integrated marketing communication strategies for key national days, liaising with stakeholders to enhance national campaign effectiveness.
- Developed successful strategies and policies, meeting organisational needs and implementing improvements.
- Oversaw and recorded stages of operations from initial concept to execution, managing lifecycle of organisation to align with objectives.
- Demonstrated outstanding communication skills, clearly briefing staff and clients on complex key messages.
Account Manager
Hunt Lascaris | TBWA
01.2002 - 01.2004
Account Manager
The Agency
01.1999 - 01.2002
Account Executive
GGi International Public Relations
01.1996 - 01.1998
Researcher
Kaufmann Levin & Associates
01.1995 - 01.1996
Education
MBA - Marketing
UNICAF
12-2024
Management Advancement Program ( MAP) - Business Administration
Wits Business School
01-1994
Certificate in Marketing - Marketing
RAU
01-2003
BA - Political Studies Honours
Randse Afrikaans Universiteit (RAU) UJ
01-1996
BA - Public Administration
University of the North
01-1996
Certificate in Brand Management - Marketing and Branding
Vega School
01-2001
Skills
- Good Writing
- Effective Communication & Delegation
- Budget Planning
- Editorial Planning
- Audience Engagement
- Adaptability determination
- Management & Leadership
- Business Operations & Strategy
- Strategic Thinker
- Critical Judgement
- Adaptability & Determination
- Media Relations
- Innovative
- Interpersonal Skills
- Financial Management
- Microsoft Suite
Custom Section
Bonnie Ramaila is a seasoned communications, stakeholder relations, public affairs and marketing expert with over 20 years of experience across various sectors in the private and public sector.
Awards
BizCommunity Most Read and Commented on Contributor of the Year, 2012-01-01
References
- Ms Basadi Letsoalo, Executive Director: Corporate Services, Adcock Ingram, basadi.letsoalo@adcock.com
- JJ Tabane, Editor, Leadership Magazine / Oresego Holdings, ojjtabane@gmail.com
- Ms Baby Tyawa, Former Secretary, Parliament, penny.tyawa05@gmail.com
- Ms Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, ANC Spokesperson, 076 891 5420
Hobbies and Interests
Content Creator on YouTube with a channel called Ad-Break with Bonnie Ramaila.
Timeline
Senior Content Development Writer/ Media Liaison
African National Congress
07.2023 - Current
Chief Executive
Woman Radio
11.2019 - 06.2023
Executive Director: Country Head
African Women in Business (AWIB)
02.2018 - 12.2019
Chief Executive Officer (CEO): owner of the consultancy
The Favoured Individual Consultant
09.2017 - 12.2019
Head of Communications (Director Level)
The Presidency
03.2011 - 08.2017
Head of Communications & Stakeholder Relations
The Council for the Built Environment
01.2011 - 01.2012
Deputy Director: Marketing
Government Communications (GCIS)
01.2009 - 01.2011
Account Manager
Hunt Lascaris | TBWA
01.2002 - 01.2004
Account Manager
The Agency
01.1999 - 01.2002
Account Executive
GGi International Public Relations
01.1996 - 01.1998
Researcher
Kaufmann Levin & Associates
01.1995 - 01.1996
MBA - Marketing
UNICAF
Management Advancement Program ( MAP) - Business Administration
Wits Business School
Certificate in Marketing - Marketing
RAU
BA - Political Studies Honours
Randse Afrikaans Universiteit (RAU) UJ
BA - Public Administration
University of the North
Certificate in Brand Management - Marketing and Branding
Vega School