Hi, I’m
Carol Mohlala
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Soweto
Summary
Experienced media and communications professional with more than 15 years’ experience across public sector, civil society and media environments. Proven expertise in media liaison, strategic communication planning, crisis communication, media monitoring and analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Currently serving as Assistant Director: Communications at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), with prior experience as a Communication Officer at GDED. Demonstrated supervisory and people management experience, strong policy orientation, and a track record of managing departmental image through proactive and responsive media relations.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Gauteng Department of Economic Development
Assistant Director: Media Relations
12.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Lead and implement departmental media liaison and communication strategies aligned to government priorities and service delivery objectives.
- Manage media relations on behalf of the Department, including responding to media enquiries, drafting and issuing media statements, and facilitating interviews with senior management and the MEC.
- Develop and implement media plans for departmental programmes, campaigns and high-impact projects.
- Manage media buying processes, including sourcing quotations, drafting memorandums for approval, and overseeing advertorial placement in mainstream and community media.
- Coordinate and manage press briefings, media networking sessions and public communication events.
- Oversee media monitoring, analysis and reporting to assess public sentiment, reputational risks and communication impact.
- Manage digital platforms including website content, social media strategy, campaigns and analytics.
- Supervise staff, manage performance (PMDS), leave, skills development plans and contribute to the resolution of audit queries.
Gauteng Department of Economic Development
Communications Officer
05.2021 - 11.2022
Job overview
- Supported the development and implementation of departmental media liaison strategies and communication plans.
- Drafted media statements, speeches, fact sheets and content for departmental campaigns and programmes.
- Assisted with media mobilisation, press briefings and stakeholder engagements.
- Maintained media databases and supported media monitoring and reporting.
- Contributed to digital communication initiatives, including website updates and social media content.
Stokvel Talk
Editor
07.2020 - 04.2021
Job overview
- Oversaw editorial planning, content development and publication.
- Managed contributors, interns and freelancers.
- Ensured alignment of print, digital and social media content.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
- Kept up-to-date on industry trends and emerging topics to ensure the relevancy of published materials.
- Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
- Developed style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all published materials.
Association of Independent Publishers (AIP)
Media Director
01.2019 - 06.2020
Job overview
- Led strategic media planning and advocacy initiatives to advance the interests of community and small commercial publishers across print and digital platforms.
- Managed and supervised the communications team, including performance management and skills development, to support coordinated advocacy and public engagement campaigns.
- Developed and managed media budgets and media buying plans in support of advocacy programmes aimed at increasing visibility and sustainability of community media.
- Analysed campaign performance and media impact to assess effectiveness of advocacy interventions and inform strategic recommendations to strengthen the community media sector.
- Built and maintained strategic relationships with community publishers, mainstream media houses, regulators and sector partners to influence policy, funding and public discourse in support of community media.
Lawyers for Human Rights
Media and Communications Manager
04.2016 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Draft and distribute stakeholder communications, editorial pieces, newsletters and press releases as required.
- Developed compelling content for the company website and social media channels, driving user engagement and conversions.
- Created compelling visual assets for use across multiple platforms, enhancing brand consistency and recognition
- Evaluated existing communication strategies and made data-driven recommendations for improvement, resulting in increased overall effectiveness.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with external vendors for services such as event planning or graphic design, reducing overall project costs while maintaining high-quality results.
- Photography and basic Videography for the organisaion
- Update the media database monthly.
- Coordinate media visits and host media as required
Media Monitoring Africa
Media Researcher
08.2008 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Conducted media monitoring, research and analysis on media trends and public discourse.
- Prepared policy submissions, research reports and media briefings.
- Liaised with government departments, Parliament, regulators and broadcasters.
- Drafted press releases, feature articles and communication material.
- Supported strategic communication, advocacy and public engagement initiatives.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, raising the profile of the institution.
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
Education
University of Witwatersrand
BA Degree from Industrial Sociology and Media Studies
11.2008
Skills
Media Liaison & Media Relations Management
Strategic Communication & Media Planning
Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
Media Monitoring, Analysis & Reporting
Policy Development & Implementation
Digital & Social Media Strategy
Media Buying & Advertorial Management
Creative direction
Stakeholder & Intergovernmental Relations
Team Leadership, PMDS & Performance Management
Excellent Written & Verbal Communicatio
Timeline
Assistant Director: Media Relations
Gauteng Department of Economic Development
12.2022 - Current
Communications Officer
Gauteng Department of Economic Development
05.2021 - 11.2022
Editor
Stokvel Talk
07.2020 - 04.2021
Media Director
Association of Independent Publishers (AIP)
01.2019 - 06.2020
Media and Communications Manager
Lawyers for Human Rights
04.2016 - 12.2018
Media Researcher
Media Monitoring Africa
08.2008 - 03.2016
University of Witwatersrand
BA Degree from Industrial Sociology and Media Studies
GOVERNANCE & BOARD EXPERIENCE
BOARD MEMBER
Media Development and Diversity Agency
May 2022 – May 2025
- Provided strategic oversight and governance in line with the MDDA Act and public sector regulations.
- Contributed to policy direction, funding approvals and institutional performance monitoring.
- Served on Board committees and supported risk management, compliance and accountability processes.
- Supported initiatives to promote media diversity, transformation and sustainability across South Africa.
- Represented the Agency in stakeholder engagements and public platforms where required.