Motshabi Gxagxisa
Johannesburg
Summary
Strategic and results-driven professional with over seven years of experience in communications and stakeholder engagement. Adept at identifying opportunities that align with organisational goals, while developing compelling, data-driven proposals and reports tailored to donor priorities. Combines strong research, writing and analytical skills. Highly skilled in synthesising complex information into persuasive, donor-focused narratives, ensuring clarity and consistency of messaging across platforms.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grants & Research Specialist
Afrika Tikkun
07.2025 - Current
- Assist in drafting grant applications, concept notes, and proposals in alignment with donor guidelines and funding priorities.
- Compile necessary data, programme inputs, and statistics from M&E, Finance, and Programme teams.
- Proofread and edit documents to ensure clarity, alignment, and consistency with Afrika Tikkun's brand and tone.
- Support in developing presentation decks and Letters of Interest for prospective funders.
Content Team Lead
Afrika Tikkun
04.2022 - 06.2025
- Led development and dissemination of internal and external communications for consistent messaging across email, intranet, newsletters, and reports.
- Oversaw content creation for publications, promotional materials, and websites to align with brand voice and corporate messaging.
- Supported PR and media events by drafting press releases, advisories, and briefing notes while coordinating with agencies on weekly status reports.
- Implemented media monitoring systems to track coverage of Afrika Tikkun and sector issues, presenting analysis reports to senior leadership.
Freelance Writer
Bertobase Digital Mavericks
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Produced targeted marketing copy and digital content across websites, blogs, and newsletters.
- Collaborated with clients to deliver brand-aligned communication strategies tailored to diverse audiences.
Advocacy Manager
Global Health Strategies (GHS)
10.2019 - 11.2020
- Directed advocacy and communications initiatives on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).
- Developed strategic content and campaigns to influence policy stakeholders and support donor visibility.
- Coordinated public dialogues, media briefings, and roundtable discussions to strengthen advocacy impact.
Advocacy & Communications Officer
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Drafted and disseminated media statements, advisories, and opinion pieces to shape public discourse.
- Monitored media coverage of the SAHRC, providing senior management with weekly media analysis reports.
- Managed media databases, interview requests, and stakeholder communications.
- Coordinated and implemented internal and external events, including debates, seminars, and national dialogues.
- Produced annual and thematic reports, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.
Senior Counsellor
South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG)
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Developed content for public awareness campaigns on mental health and community well-being.
- Facilitated outreach programmes, workshops, and training sessions for community health workers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies, English & Psychology
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg01.2007
Matric -
Midrand High School
Johannesburg01.2000
Skills
- Excellent writing skills
- Strong research skills
- Critical thinking and analytical abilities
- Content strategy
- Stakeholder management
- Strategic planning
Certification
- Communication for Civil Society, 7-month online course, 2023
- Legitimate Leadership Programme, 18-month, 2023
Timeline
Grants & Research Specialist
Afrika Tikkun
07.2025 - Current
Content Team Lead
Afrika Tikkun
04.2022 - 06.2025
Freelance Writer
Bertobase Digital Mavericks
08.2020 - 02.2021
Advocacy Manager
Global Health Strategies (GHS)
10.2019 - 11.2020
Advocacy & Communications Officer
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
01.2008 - 01.2015
Senior Counsellor
South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG)
01.2006 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies, English & Psychology
University of the Witwatersrand
Matric -
Midrand High School