Paul Maphamola Sibeko
Communications Practitioner & Content Strategist
Johannesburg,Gauteng
Summary
Experienced professional passionate about creating compelling content and driving engagement. Talented at crafting dynamic stories, informative articles and persuasive copy that resonate and inspires readers. Comfortable and with a proven track record of collaborating and working with diverse teams across many geographies, this seasoned communications practitioner has an intimate understanding of the media landscape, crisis communications, public relations, stakeholder and investor relations, and employee engagement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT & CONTENT STRATEGIST
Freelancer
8 2013 - Current
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop PR and crisis management collateral such press releases, thought leadership content, media holding statements, scripts for designated spokespersons, and Q&As.
- Lead the development and execution of communications strategies that drive media publicity and manage reputational crisis.
- Proactively identify and strategically action media profiling opportunities.
- Provide communication counsel to C-suite.
- Keep abreast of industry trends in various sectors and advise clients on competitor activity and industry developments that have a potential impact on their business.
- Ghost write content on behalf of C-suite such as official correspondence to regulators, investors and customers.
- Draft content for internal communication platforms such as newsletters and the intranet.
- Enhance client branding by developing strategic communication plans and implementing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Supported public relations managers with writing, researching and preparation of materials
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify key messages and create compelling content for press releases and other materials that support brand image.
- Utilize exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
- Conduct thorough research on diverse topics, producing well-informed pieces that resonated with readers.
- Generate ideas for new content series or formats based on audience interests and market trends.
- Improve employee engagement through the development of effective internal communication strategies and initiatives.
- Supported crisis management efforts, ensuring timely responses to address reputation issues and minimize negative impacts.
- Between 2020 and 2021, I served as a regular contributor of articles on entrepreneurship to Business Times, South Africa's leading weekend business publication.
REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
ERICSSON
12.2011 - 7 2013
- Supported the regional executive team in sub-Saharan Africa through the development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies that aligned with global corporate objectives.
- Coordinated advocacy relations meetings with regulators and industry associations and prepared necessary materials in advance.
- Provided communications support and counsel to various business units.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts and the regional leadership team to write press releases, thought leadership content, speeches, and other public relations collateral.
- Designed and implemented crisis communication plans that safeguarding company reputation during critical times.
- Led crisis communications and media relations activities in response to challenging situations.
- Created and implemented systems and processes for monitoring media coverage.
- Drafted speeches for company executives and advised on media talking points.
- Researched and prepared industry presentations for the regional leadership team.
- Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations.
- Facilitated media interviews and media briefing across the region and prepping designated spokespersons with Q&As.
- Developed compelling content for company website and social media channels, driving user engagement and conversions.
- Spearheaded employee engagement initiatives by fostering a positive workplace culture and preparing presentations for the regional leadership team for quarterly employee briefings.
- Developed internal newsletters that kept staff informed and engaged.
- Crafted compelling press releases and media statements, significantly increasing media coverage across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Facilitated partnerships with industry leaders, pan-African mobile networks and development agencies to amplify brand presence.
- Conducted media training for company executives and business leaders.
- Served as Acting Director for Internal Communications for six months.
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
MTN SOUTH AFRICA
06.2011 - 11.2011
- Enhanced brand image by developing and executing strategic public relations campaigns.
- Provided communications support to various business units and communications counsel to the executive team
- Fielded and responded to media and customer queries
- Worked with brand, the business, and employee communications teams to develop, pitch and execute multimedia strategies across company channels for key announcements and launches
- Monitored industry news and trends to stay current on emerging topics and inform content creation strategies.
- Conducted market analysis and monitored competitive activity.
- Wrote and edited press releases, media holding statements, responses to media queries, and advertorials and web content for internal and external audiences.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create cohesive messaging across all channels for maximum impact.
- Built strong relationships with key media contacts, resulting in increased press opportunities.
- Served as primary liaison between company management and external partners in joint ventures or promotions.
- Actively participated in industry conferences and trade shows and conferences and wrote motivations for industry awards.
- Fostered positive relationships with key business and ICT journalists in national and trade publications.
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER
MTN GROUP
10.2008 - 05.2011
- Developed and executed communications strategies that drove media publicity for Group-wide company initiatives
- Drafted public relations collateral such as press releases that build brand image in Africa and the Middle East.
- Provided daily updates to the Group Executive Team and senior management in Africa and the Middle East on geopolitical developments that have a potential impact on MTN's operations.
- Collaborated with the Investor Relations team to develop collateral such as trading updates.
- Organized successful press conferences, interviews, and media opportunities for senior executives or spokespeople.
- Created detailed communications plans for Group-wide initiatives and company announcements, ensuring maximum visibility in relevant markets.
- Monitored news outlets daily to identify potential threats or opportunities in media conversations about the organization.
- Enhanced media relations by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
- Edited written materials such as articles, op-eds and speeches prior to publication, ensuring a perfect blend of clarity and impact.
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
ABSA GROUP
03.2006 - 09.2008
- Lead content writer for Absa's internal communications platforms such as the monthly magazine, corporate television channel and the intranet.
- Drafted executive communiques to employees on behalf of heads of departments and the Executive Team.
- Oversaw the production of the monthly publication.
- Edited and proofread content from other consultants
- Served as a presenter on the corporate television channel and contributed in the editorially in the programmes.
- Managed the website and editorial content to support social strategies as needed.
- Mentored junior consultants, fostering professional growth and building strong team dynamics.
ASSISTANT MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER
ERNST & YOUNG (EY)
04.2004 - 02.2006
- Lead content writer responsible for identifying and packaging industry reports into thought leadership content and press releases
- Worked with the business to write content for South Africa-specific industry surveys and reports, such as Excellence in Corporate Reporting survey
- Kept abreast on news developments across various industries to identify and action media commentary and coverage opportunities on industry trends.
- Advised internal clients on best practices for engaging with the media, enhancing overall effectiveness of outreach efforts.
- Secured high-profile media placements for company news, events, and thought leadership pieces.
- Organized successful press events, including press conferences, product launches, and media tours.
- Produced compelling press releases and media materials that resulted in increased coverage.
- Developed content for press releases, websites and social media.
- Reviewed marketing materials and documents for brand accuracy and trending design.
- Researched latest market trends and analyzed data to develop relevant and timely thought leadership content.
SENIOR BUSINESS REPORTER
CITY PRESS
08.2000 - 03.2004
- Researched, gathered, and wrote business and company stories for the business section of City Press
- Served as subject matter expert in designated industries or markets by maintaining comprehensive knowledge of relevant trends and happenings.
- Coordinated with graphic designers to create visually appealing graphics that complemented written content effectively conveying complex information to readership.
- Cultivated credible sources to obtain relevant information to develop business content.
- Stayed current on industry-specific regulations and legislation, ensuring all published content adhered to legal and ethical standards.
- Attended industry conferences and events, staying abreast of current trends and networking with key influencers in the field.
- Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
- Regularly liaised and interviewed business leaders, industry analysts, and senior government officials to gather content and insights.
- Oversaw the production process of the business supplement.
- Worked under tight deadlines, effectively managing time and resources to consistently deliver high-quality work in a timely manner.
- Mentored junior reporters on best practices for researching, interviewing, and writing compelling stories.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Journalism - Journalism, Financial Markets, Company Reporting
Johannesburg School of Finance
Johannesburg, South Africa06.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science; International Relations
University of The Witwatersrand
JohannesburgCertificate - Black Belt in Internal Communications
Melcrum Institute
Sweden2013
Skills
Internal Communications
Speech Writing
Crisis Communications
Social Media
Content Development
Media Relations
Strategy Development
Thought leadership
Public Relations Strategies
Information gathering and analysis
Research proficiency
Press Release Writing
Marketing Communications
Personal Information
- ID Number: 7406016106082
- Date of Birth: 06/01/74
Accomplishments
Developed, implemented and led the public awareness and media publicity plan for MTN's maiden black economic empowerment share scheme called MTN Zakhele. At the time of the launch in 2010, Zakhele was the largest initial public offering (IPO) in the information and communication technology sector valued at ZAR8,1 billion. The brand affinity and public awareness created by the extensive public relations and media publicity drive resulted in the shares being oversubscribed weeks before the cut-off date.
Timeline
REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
ERICSSON
12.2011 - 7 2013
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
MTN SOUTH AFRICA
06.2011 - 11.2011
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER
MTN GROUP
10.2008 - 05.2011
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
ABSA GROUP
03.2006 - 09.2008
ASSISTANT MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER
ERNST & YOUNG (EY)
04.2004 - 02.2006
SENIOR BUSINESS REPORTER
CITY PRESS
08.2000 - 03.2004
COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT & CONTENT STRATEGIST
Freelancer
8 2013 - Current
Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Journalism - Journalism, Financial Markets, Company Reporting
Johannesburg School of Finance
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science; International Relations
University of The Witwatersrand
Certificate - Black Belt in Internal Communications
Melcrum Institute