Hi, I’m
Gcina Thembile Nhleko
Communications Expert
Mtunzini,KZN
Summary
Gcina has expert knowledge in multiple industries spanning over 15 years in leadership positions focused on Corporate Affairs, Stakeholder Engagement, Crisis Communication, Media Monitoring, and Integrated Marketing Communications. Her corporate portfolio includes experience working at Transnet Port Terminals, UNISA, Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), and currently at the University of Zululand, where she is Director of Communications & Marketing. She manages a team of 15 staff and is responsible for creating internal and external communications strategies & policies, annual plans, community outreach and community engagement strategies, and the market brand strategy for the institution. Her specialisation areas include, but are not limited to, competencies in stakeholder identification and mapping, working with communities, including traditional leaders, to resolve contentious issues, working with corporate citizens to increase sponsorship, and providing solutions to problems related to communities. In my illustrious career, I have successfully worked within environments with high political involvement, dealing with extensive crises, communication plans, coordination, and implementation. I have also managed corporate social investment programmes, budgeting, and sponsorships amounting to millions, with positive spin-offs in terms of high Advertising Value Equivalent derived.
Communications professional with robust experience in strategic communication, media relations, and brand management. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in crisis management, content creation, and digital marketing. Known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic environments.
Overview
15
years of professional experience
20
years of post-secondary education
1
Certification
Work History
THINK (TB & HIV INvestigative network)
Global Head of Communications
03.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Company Overview: Publlic health organisation, USAID Partner
- Coordinated industry event participation to expand networking opportunities and showcase company expertise.
- Cultivated strong relationships with media outlets and influencers, increasing positive press coverage.
- Managed public relations initiatives, fostering a positive corporate image among stakeholders.
- Measured campaign effectiveness using data analytics tools, optimizing future tactics based on insights gained.
University of Zululand
Director - Communications & Marketing
08.2016 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Stakeholder Relations: Provide stakeholder management tools by providing a platform for the Vice-Chancellor and leadership to engage with stakeholders on key issues
- Strategic Alignment: Develop the Communications & Marketing Division's Strategic Plan, which is aligned with the Institution's strategic plan and vision for 2027
- Brand Management: Design and develop Corporate Identity guidelines and manuals, ensuring adherence to a brand-centric culture and brand positioning
- Media Relations: Develop, coordinate and implement structured media monitoring and manage reputation ranking and ratings
- Leadership: Liaise with subordinates to communicate the CMD operational plan and monitor the cascading of operational plans within the Department
- Policy Framework: Direct the development of policies and procedures per the Communications Department mandate
- Community Outreach & Engagement-Facilitate regular community meetings to foster relationship-building collaboration and promote equitable services for young people
- Issues Management: Stay current with changes in relevant guidelines and other legislation to make recommendations regarding policy and procedure amendments
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Evaluate the provision of services by the department about the divisional strategy and operational plans and recommend modifications, where appropriate
- Ethical Leadership: Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the university's efforts to further education through university-wide coordination and oversight
- Direct and monitor expenditures to ensure that expenditures are aligned with the allocated budget
- Budget: Review requests for deviations of planned budget provisions and motivate/decline such based on the risk rating
- Risk Appetite Mapping: Produce reports for areas of responsibility, highlighting successes and risks in achieving objectives
- Communications: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement new technologies and processes, enabling integration into other areas
- Spokesperson: Provide expert advice on escalated issues experienced by internal and external stakeholders, achieving effective resolution promptly through various media platforms
- Strategic Events Management: Manage all university hallmark events and oversee the university's events calendar
Richards Bay Coal Terminal
Corporate Affairs & Sustainable Development Manager
05.2014 - 06.2016
Job overview
- Enable RBCT General Management to develop and maintain its role and reputation as a world-class corporate citizen through sustainable development initiatives
- Develop corporate relations and communication strategies, policies and guidelines to ensure support for the strategic objectives of the Company
- Formulate and interpret business strategy and translate it into corporate relations objectives
- Monitor the effectiveness of RBCT's communications systems and recommend improvements
- Effective management of key corporate stakeholders, which include RBCT Shareholders, Transnet Divisions, Shipping Agents, National, Provincial and Local Government and the media
- Oversee the promotion of the RBCT brand and positively influence perceptions regarding RBCT
- Develop media strategies together with the General Management team of the Company
- Ensure that all internal and external functions, events and recreational activities are aligned with RBCT's strategic philosophies
- Planning and organising appropriate Company functions and events
- This includes Year End Functions, Zululand Expo, Inter-Company Sports Day, Environmental Week displays and high-profile special events
- Maintaining RBCT's sustainability programmes and footprint in the community by assessing the impact of sustainability practices in various communities and aligning it with the terminal shared objectives for a healthy environment, an excellent quality of life, and continued economic vitality
- Application of Corporate governance principles in sustainability report compiling
University of South Africa - KZN Region, RBCT
Regional Communications & Marketing Manager
07.2011 - 05.2014
Job overview
- Responsible for various integrated communication and marketing activities to maintain and grow UNISA's positioning as a premier comprehensive open and distance learning provider
- Compiling Regional annual report and review to be incorporated in the institutional year-end review
- Activating media relations and publicity campaigns, writing corporate publications, media, electronic media, marketing promotions and advertising, as well as public relations and corporate events for the institution
- Supporting Unisa's strategic objectives and operational plan and ensuring alignment with the university's commitment to good corporate governance and stakeholder relationship management
- Targeting all stakeholders at both internal and external levels
- Focusing on strategic themes to develop a shared understanding of those themes while also being measured for impact and effectiveness
- Spokesperson for the University in the KZN Region during peak periods of applications and registration and ensuring that the University's reputation is intact
- Advising regional management on topical issues devising response strategies, and driving stakeholder programmes for the Region
- Ensuring long-term financial sustainability for the Communications unit by ensuring that spending is in line with the approved budget and that it adheres to institutional finance policies
Transnet Port Terminals
Communications Manager
08.2007 - 06.2011
Job overview
- Communicate Transnet and Transnet Port Terminals Growth strategy to internal and external stakeholders by distributing brochures and DVDs and coordinating roadshows
- Implement a distinct brand in the terminal environment by ensuring that signage, livery, business communication tools and uniform clothing display the Transnet Port Terminals logo in the correct application
- Drive recognition and reward programme in the terminal
- Monthly awards that build up to CE Awards
- Formulation and implementation of competitive PR and marketing strategies that create an enabling platform for Business Unit Executive to interact with key stakeholders
- Facilitate internal stakeholder engagement programmes
- Women's Day, Fun Day coordination and staging
- Implement external stakeholder engagement programmes
- Client Communiqué & Insite (an online stakeholder interactive platform) similar to social media platforms
- Measuring the effectiveness of communication tools by soliciting feedback and conducting dipstick surveys
- Developing stakeholder database and updating stakeholder relationship matrix and recommending engagement plans with them
- Philanthropic, corporate social investment programme budgeting, initiation and overseeing them and compliance to BE plan for Port Terminals
- Writing stories, layout and design of the terminal publication and Business Unit Executive foreword
- Media monitoring and scanning of newspaper clippings to evaluate both media and money value each month for Port terminals in Durban (AVE+PR) values analysis
Transnet Port Terminals
Customer Services Supervisor
07.2005 - 07.2007
Job overview
- Overseeing Call Centre Staff members and ensuring a seamless operations process through informed query response solutions to clients
- Liaising with truck companies and advising on the status of cargo in the vessels, both imports and exports
- Informing shipping lines like MSC/Maersk of the vessel arrival time, number of containers on board, storage free period and length of stay of the vessel at a specific port
- Handling telephonic queries from clients about whether their cargo is stacked, also locating lost containers
- Updating clients through call centre messaging facility on the road ques leading to the biggest terminal in Africa (Durban container terminal)
- Promoting and informing clients of changes in the port environment, i.e., closure due to wind, holidays, etc
Education
University of Stellenbosch
Management Development Course from Leadership
St Victor High School
Senior Certificate from School leaving certificate - Grade 12
University of Pretoria
Women in Leadership
Durban University of Technology
B. Tech Degree from Public Relations & Communications Management
Technikon ML Sultan
National Diploma from Public Relations MANAGEMENT
Regent Business School
B. Comm Honours from Marketing
Skills
Sustainable Strategy Development
Certification
Accredited in Public Relations (APR), PRISA
Accomplishments
- Create and implement an aligned communications plan linked to the organisation's strategic vision and plans in various companies.
- Rebranding of the university at both a local and international level, which included a full website revamp and positioning the organisation internationally at conferences, webinars and digital communication platforms.
- Successfully obtaining corporate sponsorship to fund 50 students for the entire duration of studies within the Engineering Department.
- Compiling the Award-winning files for the Communications Department at the University of Zululand consistently for over 5 years.
Timeline
Global Head of Communications
THINK (TB & HIV INvestigative network)
03.2024 - Current
Director - Communications & Marketing
University of Zululand
08.2016 - 12.2023
Corporate Affairs & Sustainable Development Manager
Richards Bay Coal Terminal
05.2014 - 06.2016
Regional Communications & Marketing Manager
University of South Africa - KZN Region, RBCT
07.2011 - 05.2014
Communications Manager
Transnet Port Terminals
08.2007 - 06.2011
Customer Services Supervisor
Transnet Port Terminals
07.2005 - 07.2007
St Victor High School
Senior Certificate from School leaving certificate - Grade 12
01.1996
University of Pretoria
Women in Leadership
Durban University of Technology
B. Tech Degree from Public Relations & Communications Management
Technikon ML Sultan
National Diploma from Public Relations MANAGEMENT
Regent Business School
B. Comm Honours from Marketing
01.2024
Accredited in Public Relations (APR), PRISA
University of Stellenbosch
Management Development Course from Leadership
01.2021
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