Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Board Experience
Qualifications Certifications
Professional Memberships
Timeline
Generic

Linda Khuluse

Group Communication, Media & Brand Manager
Johannesburg,GP

Summary

A well-seasoned communication, reputation, and stakeholder management expert who collaborates well with diverse stakeholders of varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. She brings a solid professional history as a Corporate Affairs executive in the energy sector. She has mentored and coached many from various levels in a large organization and has also coached MBA students from Henley Business School. A facilitator of a vast number of strategy sessions and training sessions. Linda is a strategic thinker who pays meticulous attention to detail, is highly adaptable, has complete candor, and has an exceptional ability to achieve business objectives. Her passion is leveraging people’s strengths to thrive and bringing out the best in them. A Certified Director and a member in good standing at the Institute of Directors (IoDSA). Her skills include - business acumen, strategic thinking, organizational agility, dealing with ambiguity and complexity, conflict management, project management, people management, executive presentation, financial, government, and business protocol and etiquette. Disciplined and goal-oriented professional with proven leadership experience at the executive level and personal integrity. Able to take calculated risks and make tough decisions, excellent communication, motivational, and negotiation skills.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Receptionist/Creditors Clerk

Criterion Equipment (Pty) Ltd
01.1995 - 11.1995
  • Reason for leaving: Recruited by Eskom
  • Resolved customer problems and complaints.
  • Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.

Trainer (Voter Education Programme)

IMSSA (Independent Mediation Services of South Africa)
01.1994 - 04.1994
  • 1994 first democratic elections in South Africa
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of the Voter education training initiatives by tracking participant progress and gathering feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Facilitated voter education training sessions for various companies

Group Communication, Media & Branding Manager

Seriti Resources
02.2023 - Current
  • Development and execution of an integrated Communication strategy that supports the six mines based in Mpumalanga and Free State
  • Development of communication policies, standards and procedures aligned with Seriti's strategic intent and direction
  • Handling of strategic events and visits including government (DMRE) and external key stakeholders
  • Maintenance of relationships with key media journalists in the mining and energy industries
  • Management of all Internal Communication programmes and campaigns
  • Strategic positioning of the GCEO and EXCO in various media including publications, conferences (i.e
  • Mining Indaba) and platforms
  • Handling of sponsorships, donations and advertising including speaking opportunities
  • Leverage opportunities for public relations from CSI, ESD, Social Labour Plan initiatives and campaigns
  • Management of 4 agencies responsible for Internal Communication, Digital, Production/Branding, Media
  • Preparation of Briefing Notes and Speech writing for Senior leadership
  • Represents Seriti on the World Coal Association’s Brand and Communication sub-committee

Communication, Media & Branding Consultant

Seriti Resources
08.2022 - 01.2023
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive brand messaging across multiple platforms, ensuring consistency and effectiveness.
  • Revitalized the Seriti brand by repositioning it within the market and the mining industry, leading to improved brand equity and renewed customer and public interest.

General Manager Stakeholder Relations (Acting)

Eskom
09.2014 - 08.2015
  • Establishment and implementation of Stakeholder management strategic direction and positioning, directives, policies, standards and procedures aligned with Eskom's strategic intent and direction
  • Development of a Stakeholder Relations Strategy
  • Leadership profiling amongst key stakeholder groups to create strategic partnerships
  • Identification and maintaining regular contact with the external Eskom Stakeholder Groupings (particularly DPE) to influence public perceptions and respond to issues of public importance
  • Position Eskom as a business and build its reputation as a model corporate citizen
  • Manage and optimization of the department, its infrastructure, and resources
  • Proactively look for opportunities to engage and inform all stakeholders on Eskom developments
  • Staff Complement – 110 based in the relevant provinces around the country
  • Voluntary resignation in August 2015

Senior Manager Government Relations/Parliamentary Affairs

Eskom
02.2011 - 08.2015
  • Management of government relationships at national, provincial and local level
  • Establishment and management of the Parliamentary Affairs office in Cape Town
  • Positioning of Eskom through effective stakeholder programmes
  • Formulating and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies and tactical plans
  • Develop a comprehensive management plan with a full supporting budget for all parliamentary activities
  • Managing response to parliamentary questions, including requests for Eskom to appear before parliamentary committees
  • Establish and maintain constructive and productive relations with all stakeholders of parliament i.e., Portfolio committees, Select committees and Study groups
  • Provide effective monitoring and reporting on parliamentary matters such as legislation that has an impact on Eskom's business
  • Provide high-level strategic advisory service to EXCO and Divisions around parliamentary matters affecting Eskom
  • Manage and optimise people, infrastructure, and resources to ensure execution
  • Critical stakeholder management for strategy & execution
  • Risk and mitigation management in this area of accountability
  • Staff complement – 10

Senior Manager (Communication & Stakeholder Management)

Eskom
10.2008 - 01.2011
  • Manages the implementation of appropriate and effective Communication and Public Affairs programmes and activities across Generation Business
  • Formulates and manages the implementation of stakeholder management strategic direction and positioning for the Division
  • Media Relations, Internal Communication programmes, Strategic Positioning of the Chief Officer and EXCO
  • Management and optimization of the Communication and Stakeholder Management Department, its infrastructure and resources
  • Staff Complement – 5 direct reports with teams based around the country

Communication and Stakeholder Manager

Eskom
12.2007 - 10.2008
  • Accountable for all Communication and Stakeholder management campaigns and activities for the Division, Reputation Management, Performance Management
  • Strategic positioning and executive business management of all aspects of stakeholder management (effective Media Relations, Corporate Identity Custodian for the Division)
  • Stakeholder relationships through proactive lobbying, and perception management
  • Identify marketing initiatives
  • Conduct research and render consultation service to the Management Committee
  • Crisis Management, Manage National Communication projects for the Division
  • Conflict management and resolution
  • Staff complement – Grew department to 15 resources based around the country

Chief Advisor: Communication

Eskom
05.2006 - 12.2007
  • Accountable for all external communication for all fossil Power Stations and Return to Service Power Stations in Eskom, Media Management, Leadership Profiling
  • Providing external Communication support to all Communication Practitioners in the Return to Service and fossil Power Stations, Reputation, and image management
  • No direct reports – specialist position focusing on external communication and stakeholder relations

Regional Manager Communication and Stakeholder Relations

Eskom
01.2004 - 04.2006
  • Strategic positioning and executive business management of all aspects of stakeholder management
  • Stakeholder relationships through proactive lobbying, expectations, and perception management
  • Directs and monitors the implementation of proper stakeholder management processes and initiatives
  • Ensure effective communication to stakeholders on key Distribution change initiatives and direction (strategic intent)
  • Reputation management - identify marketing initiatives which can benefit Eskom image
  • Lead the process of stakeholder interventions in line with stakeholder needs
  • Effective stakeholder analysis and profiling
  • Crisis Management
  • Staff complement - 10
  • Member of the following Committees: Regional Executive Committee, Sponsorship and Donations Committee, Business Planning and Integrated Risk Committee, Safety, Health and Environmental Committee, Business Communication Committee, Wired to Win Steering Committee

Regional Communication and Community Development Manager

Eskom
08.2002 - 04.2006
  • Manage Regional (Mpumalanga, Pretoria and Rustenburg) Communication projects for the Distribution Business
  • Strategic Communication Planning and management
  • Comprehensive internal and external communication service for the Region
  • Conduct Communication Research, Render consultation service to Regional Senior Management
  • Performance Management, Management of Change, Recruitment, Conflict management and resolution
  • Regional Media Spokesperson
  • Corporate Identity Custodian for the Region, Provide strategic direction and leadership
  • Staff complement - 8

Communication Practitioner

Eskom
03.2000 - 07.2002
  • Developed strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners to facilitate effective collaboration on shared goals.
  • Engaged with the SAP Users throughout the organisation, assisting with communication tools, products and general information.
  • Newsletter production.

Communication Practitioner

Eskom
01.1995 - 01.2000
  • Supervision of the Communication department
  • Compilation and editing of the business unit newsletter
  • Designing implementation of maintenance of the communication process
  • Advising line management in terms of communication strategies and their leadership styles
  • Public Relations, Events Management, Representing the business unit in various committees in community involvement in Eskom, Corporate Social Investment initiative

Bank Clerk

Standard Bank of SA
01.1992 - 01.1993
  • Reason for leaving: No career prospects to suit my qualifications and capabilities

Education

Master of Business Administration -

Henley Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Science

University of Zululand
Kwazulu Natal

Programme for Management Development - Management

University of Cape Town (GSB)
Cape Town, South Africa

Executive Development Programme - Leadership

University of Cape Town (GSB)
Cape Town, South Africa

Eskom Senior Management Programme - undefined

Henley Business School

Professional Coaching Course - undefined

Henley Business School

Seriti Accelerate for Results Programme - undefined

Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)

Being a Director Course (Part 1- Part 4) - undefined

Institute of Directors SA (IoDSA)

Senior Management Development Programme - undefined

The Commonwealth Secretariat, London

Public Relations Courses - Basic Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Practice Certificate, Public Relations Writing Course, Public Relations Writing Skills, Public Relations Management Course

PRISA

Management of Change Programme (MOC) - undefined

Louw du Toit and Associates

Skills

business acumen

Board Experience

  • Board Member, Eskom Development Foundation, 2012-2015
  • Director, Impact Strategy Consulting, 2018-2021
  • Non-Executive Director, Head Start Kids NPC, 2016 to date

Qualifications Certifications

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), Henley Business School
  • Bachelor of Arts (Communication Science), University of Zululand
  • Programme for Management Development (PMD), University of Cape Town (GSB)
  • Executive Development Programme (EDP), University of Cape Town (GSB)
  • Eskom Senior Management Programme, Henley Business School
  • Professional Coaching Course, Henley Business School
  • Seriti Accelerate for Results Programme, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
  • Being a Director Course (Part 1- Part 4), Institute of Directors SA (IoDSA)
  • Senior Management Development Programme, The Commonwealth Secretariat, London
  • Public Relations Courses, PRISA
  • Management of Change Programme (MOC), Louw du Toit and Associates
  • Advanced Management of Change Programme (ADMOC), Louw du Toit and Associates
  • Conduct Outcomes Based Assessments (ETDP SETA Assessor Course), Train You Can

Professional Memberships

  • PRISA, Public Relations Institute of SA
  • APR, Approved in Public Relations, 2008
  • IoDSA, Institute of Directors for South Africa, Certified Director (CD), 2017

Timeline

Group Communication, Media & Branding Manager

Seriti Resources
02.2023 - Current

Communication, Media & Branding Consultant

Seriti Resources
08.2022 - 01.2023

General Manager Stakeholder Relations (Acting)

Eskom
09.2014 - 08.2015

Senior Manager Government Relations/Parliamentary Affairs

Eskom
02.2011 - 08.2015

Senior Manager (Communication & Stakeholder Management)

Eskom
10.2008 - 01.2011

Communication and Stakeholder Manager

Eskom
12.2007 - 10.2008

Chief Advisor: Communication

Eskom
05.2006 - 12.2007

Regional Manager Communication and Stakeholder Relations

Eskom
01.2004 - 04.2006

Regional Communication and Community Development Manager

Eskom
08.2002 - 04.2006

Communication Practitioner

Eskom
03.2000 - 07.2002

Receptionist/Creditors Clerk

Criterion Equipment (Pty) Ltd
01.1995 - 11.1995

Communication Practitioner

Eskom
01.1995 - 01.2000

Trainer (Voter Education Programme)

IMSSA (Independent Mediation Services of South Africa)
01.1994 - 04.1994

Bank Clerk

Standard Bank of SA
01.1992 - 01.1993

Eskom Senior Management Programme - undefined

Henley Business School

Professional Coaching Course - undefined

Henley Business School

Seriti Accelerate for Results Programme - undefined

Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)

Being a Director Course (Part 1- Part 4) - undefined

Institute of Directors SA (IoDSA)

Senior Management Development Programme - undefined

The Commonwealth Secretariat, London

Public Relations Courses - Basic Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Practice Certificate, Public Relations Writing Course, Public Relations Writing Skills, Public Relations Management Course

PRISA

Management of Change Programme (MOC) - undefined

Louw du Toit and Associates

Master of Business Administration -

Henley Business School

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Science

University of Zululand

Programme for Management Development - Management

University of Cape Town (GSB)

Executive Development Programme - Leadership

University of Cape Town (GSB)

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Linda KhuluseGroup Communication, Media & Brand Manager