Busisiwe Hlatshwayo
Strategic Marketing & Communications Professional
Pretoria West
Summary
Strategic Marketing, Communications, and Events Leader with 15+ years of experience driving impactful programmes that strengthen brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and organizational reputation. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale projects, from high-profile events to integrated communication campaigns, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Recognized for visionary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and the capacity to inspire collaboration while delivering inclusive, results-driven initiatives that elevate institutional presence and foster meaningful community engagement.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Director: Communication & Engagement
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
04.2025 - Current
- Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Communications and Engagement Department, driving impactful engagement, organisational visibility, and internal cohesion. As Acting Director, I lead cross-functional teams, develop strategic plans, and deliver high-level reports that inform decision-making and enhance institutional effectiveness.
- Strategic Communication Leadership Spearhead the development and implementation of integrated communication strategies aligned with HSRC’s mission, enhancing public engagement, institutional coherence, and research visibility.
- Executive Reporting & Strategic Planning Produce comprehensive reports and strategic plans for executive leadership, offering insights into departmental performance.
- Media Relations Oversight Lead the media relations sub-unit to amplify HSRC’s research outputs and initiatives, resulting in increased media coverage and public awareness.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Representation Represent HSRC in high-level communication forums, cultivating relationships with government entities, academic institutions, and civil society to strengthen partnerships and promote the organisation’s impact.
- Crisis Communication Management Direct crisis communication efforts to safeguard HSRC’s reputation, ensuring timely, transparent, and effective messaging during sensitive situations.
- Content Strategy & Messaging Oversee the creation and dissemination of content across platforms, including press releases, reports, and digital media ensuring consistent, compelling, and mission aligned messaging.
- Internal Communications Excellence Oversee internal communication initiatives that foster transparency, staff engagement, and organisational culture, contributing to a motivated and informed workforce.
- High-Profile Events Leadership Lead the planning and execution of strategic events, including conferences and public forums, showcasing HSRC’s research and facilitating stakeholder dialogue.
- Digital Media Strategy Ensure the execution of digital media strategies, leveraging social platforms and digital tools to expand HSRC’s online presence and engagement.
- Brand Stewardship Ensure the integrity and consistency of HSRC’s brand identity across all communication channels, reinforcing a positive and professional public image.
- Departmental Leadership & Team Development Manage and mentor sub-unit Managers within the Communications Department, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team culture.
- Budget Management Manage departmental budgets ensuring cost-effective planning, accurate forecasting, and alignment with strategic goals.
Events Manager
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
11.2023 - 03.2025
- Event Strategy & Execution Lead end-to-end planning and execution of academic conferences, workshops, and public engagements. Ensure seamless operations, impactful experiences, and measurable outcomes.
- Budget Management Develop and manage detailed event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness, financial accountability, and optimal resource allocation. Monitor expenditures and implement cost-saving strategies without compromising quality.
- Protocol Development & Compliance Design and implement comprehensive event protocols and guidelines. Ensure all events adhere to organizational policies, legal regulations, and industry standards, fostering professionalism and consistency.
- Concept Development & Implementation Planning Translate strategic objectives into compelling event concepts. Create detailed implementation plans, timelines, and contingency strategies to ensure flawless execution.
- Team Leadership & Strategic Guidance Oversee the events sub-unit, providing mentorship and direction. Advise HSRC leadership on engagement strategies, aligning event initiatives with broader organizational goals.
- Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, external partners, and key stakeholders. Facilitate collaboration and ensure stakeholder needs are met through tailored event experiences.
- Reporting & Data-Driven Insights Deliver comprehensive post-event reports, analysing outcomes and identifying areas for improvement. Leverage data to refine future event strategies and enhance impact.
- Targeted Outreach & Invitations Conduct strategic database research to identify and invite high-value participants. Ensure events feature relevant voices and foster meaningful dialogue.
- Efficiency Systems & Process Optimization Develop and implement systems to streamline event planning and execution. Introduce tools and workflows that enhance productivity, reduce errors, and improve team coordination.
- Budget Management & Compliance Manage event and promotional budgets in strict alignment with organisational financial policies and procurement guidelines, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Governance & Compliance Uphold internal governance frameworks, ensuring all departmental operations align with corporate regulations and ethical standards.
Events Manager
Regenesys Business School
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Led the strategic and operational functions of the Events Department, ensuring the seamless execution of high-impact events that elevated brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and institutional positioning.
- Strategic Event Execution Directed the planning and delivery of webinars, masterclasses, and in-person events, aligning event objectives with institutional goals to drive engagement and thought leadership.
- Speaker Acquisition & Engagement Identified, secured, and managed relationships with influential industry speakers, enhancing the school’s reputation and enriching event content.
- Partnership Development Proactively pursued strategic partnerships to expand event reach, diversify offerings, and strengthen institutional networks.
- Venue & Facilities Management Oversaw the promotion and operational management of conference facilities, ensuring optimal utilisation, client satisfaction, and service excellence.
Freelancer
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Managed former professional soccer players Katlego Mphela and Josta Dladla by organizing soccer clinics and tournaments, arranging speaking opportunities, and sourcing sponsorships to support these events. Additionally, managed their public relations to enhance their public profiles and engagement with fans and sponsors.
Events Manager
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
06.2010 - 12.2021
- Reported to the Group Manager: Strategic Communication and Marketing, and was responsible for managing the strategic and operational functions of the Events Portfolio at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as well as managing the outreach awareness component.
- Events Management Led the execution of events in support of the organizational strategy. Profiled CSIR's R&D activities and created awareness of research outcomes through event and exhibition management. Developed event communication plans and priorities. Conceptualized, planned, and oversaw the implementation of CSIR corporate events, exhibitions, facility launches, science conferences and workshops, employee wellness events, employee recognition programs, high-profile stakeholder and international visits, Parliamentary and Ministerial visits, etc. Participated in strategic planning committees. Developed and maintained a calendar of events.
- Operations Management Managed operational functions to ensure efficient delivery of all projects. Developed an events management framework and protocol guidelines documents. Managed furniture and stock inventory. Negotiated agreements with service providers and subcontractors. Managed and oversaw annual budget allocations for events.
- Provided events expertise, guidance, and protocol advice for all high-profile and VIP visits. Prepared event running orders and briefing notes for the CEO and EXCO. Produced content for post-event articles and coverage. Managed and led a team of Event Practitioners responsible for the implementation of events. Oversaw the capacitation of administrative staff members across the organization with event management skills.
- Virtual Events Developed and managed the process to assist the organization in evolving to virtual event hosting. Implemented hybrid meetings and events. Planned, managed, and executed virtual events and conferences. Managed production logistics and deliverables across multiple platforms.
- Outreach and Awareness Programs Managed the implementation of CSIR's outreach program. Managed CSIR’s participation at science festivals and the hosting of learners at the CSIR. Oversaw the development of relevant promotional material. Managed the budget for the outreach program.
- Brand Management Ensured correct brand application on all event collateral and brand visibility at all CSIR events. Identified opportunities for co-branding and collaboration on projects. Sourced corporate gifts for stakeholders. Served as a member of the CSIR Brand Committee tasked with ensuring brand compliance across the organization (2011 – 2014).
Provincial Marketing and Stakeholder Relations Specialist
Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)
05.2006 - 05.2010
- Served as the first Marketing and Stakeholder Relations Specialist for SEDA in Mpumalanga responsible for setting up the Marketing Department and positioning the Seda brand in Mpumalanga as an agency of choice for SMME development.
- Key outputs and activities: Created awareness of Seda in Mpumalanga through various platforms and programmes Budget and team management Formulate operational guidelines for marketing and brand management in Mpumalanga Province Generated content for print material Management of promotional material Developed and implemented Marketing and Communication guidelines and procedures Managed internal communications programmes including the development of an internal newsletter
- Oversaw the rolling out of branding for all Seda offices Ensured brand proper application of the Seda brand and compliance Established and maintained strategic partnerships with key organisations Ensured Seda’s participation in SMME development events and programmes Editorial services for publications Secured a weekly radio slot with Igwalagwala FM for a period of 24 months Generated positive media coverage through relationships and partnerships established with the media Served as a Spokesperson for Seda Mpumalanga Planned and facilitated Seda’s participation in outreach programmes Profiled Seda’s success stories in various mediums and forums Initiated, planned and managed the annual Mpumalanga Small Business Week Managed the development of relevant marketing, branding and promotional materials Represented Seda at Provincial forums
Project Assistant: International and African Affairs
Department of Public Service and Administration
03.2005 - 04.2006
- Event management and administrative support to a team responsible for coordinating bilateral meetings of high-level government officials between South Africa and African countries. My responsibilities included: Administrative support for the SA bilateral visits and meetings with African Countries. Co-ordinating travel arrangements of regional delegates to and from South Africa. Establishing and maintaining a filling and documentation system Arranging consultations and other meetings of stakeholders of the African Peer Review Mechanism in South Africa Arranging conferences and national workshops in various centres in South Africa
Accounts Co-ordinator
O'Brien Hunter & Associates [Pty] Ltd
09.2001 - 02.2005
- Provided administrative support for Senior Managers and Project Managers within the agency. My responsibilities included: Events Co-ordination and management Setting up and updating communication databases Co-ordination of media activities Dipstick surveys and information sourcing Brand building and positioning exercises
Cash & Credit Office Clerk
Edgars Limited
11.1994 - 08.2001
- During school holidays, I gained valuable experience working part-time in various roles at Edgars Limited. My responsibilities included providing customer service, ensuring accurate transaction balancing, managing cash pick-ups, and handling the banking of cash. These tasks helped me develop strong organisational and financial management skills, as well as the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Education
Short course - Digital Marketing
Regenesys Business School
South Africa01.2023
Short course - Strategic Marketing Management
Wits Business School
South Africa08.2008
Short course - Customer Relationship Management
University of South Africa
South Africa08.2007
National Diploma - Public Relations Management
Tshwane University of Technology
South Africa11.2001
Skills
Problem-solving
References
References available upon request
Additional Training
- Emotional Intelligence Nov 2013
- Event Greening Sept 2013
- Heritage SA
- Level 1 First aid training June 2011
- CSIR in-house training
- Application of Protocol and Communication Dec 2010
- Helena Burger and Associates, Pretoria, South Africa
- Finance for non-financial managers Aug 2007
- Astro Tech, Nelspruit, South Africa
- Project Management for non-project Managers July 2007
- Astro Tech, Witbank, South Africa
- Interpersonal Skills and Personal Leadership Programme Dec 2006
- Jennings and Associates, Nelspruit, South Africa
- Toast Masters Short Course (Public Speaking) 1998
- Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
Timeline
Acting Director: Communication & Engagement
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
04.2025 - Current
Events Manager
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
11.2023 - 03.2025
Events Manager
Regenesys Business School
01.2023 - 10.2023
Freelancer
01.2022 - 11.2022
Events Manager
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
06.2010 - 12.2021
Provincial Marketing and Stakeholder Relations Specialist
Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)
05.2006 - 05.2010
Project Assistant: International and African Affairs
Department of Public Service and Administration
03.2005 - 04.2006
Accounts Co-ordinator
O'Brien Hunter & Associates [Pty] Ltd
09.2001 - 02.2005
Cash & Credit Office Clerk
Edgars Limited
11.1994 - 08.2001
Short course - Strategic Marketing Management
Wits Business School
Short course - Customer Relationship Management
University of South Africa
National Diploma - Public Relations Management
Tshwane University of Technology
Short course - Digital Marketing
Regenesys Business School