Deborah Kalobo
Tourism Manager|Events Consultant & Manager| Marketing Strategist| Podcaster|Marketing & Communications Lecturer
Cape Town
Summary
Creative Contributor with over years of experience in the writing and journalism field. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Innovative and original to work independently or as a team member. Familiarity with SEO and online marketing.
Reliable and adaptable with positive, upbeat tone, ready to contribute effectively. Well-versed in foundational principles and equipped with solid research and writing skills. Capable of delivering impactful content that resonates and engages.
Results-driven Lecturer with 8+ years of experience in tourism marketing.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
3
3
Certificates
Work History
Event Planner
Eventment by DK
Bloemfontein
01.2022 - Current
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Performed face-to-face meetings to finalize contract for services and event details.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport for ongoing business opportunities.
- Leveraged social media platforms to create buzz around events, driving awareness and interest among target audiences.
- Managed budgets effectively, monitoring expenses closely to ensure events were delivered within financial constraints.
- Managed logistics for successful events, including venue selection, contract negotiation, and coordinating with vendors.
- Corresponded with clients to answer questions and resolve issues.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
Lecturer (Marketing & Professional Practice)
Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
Bloemfontein
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Curriculum Development: Developed and implemented curricula for marketing and professional practice modules, ensuring alignment with industry standards
- Student Supervision: Oversaw undergraduate student projects, guided research methodology, and evaluated student assessments
- Academic Leadership: Participated in department meetings and contributed to academic planning initiatives
Lecturer (Tourism Management, Marketing, and Development)
IIE Rosebank College
Bloemfontein
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Conducted lectures and assessments in Tourism Management, Marketing, and Development
- Designed coursework integrating industry trends, contributing to quality education standards
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
- Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
- Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
Lecturer & Module Coordinator (French for Tourism Management, Academic Literacy)
Central University of Technology, Free State
Bloemfontein
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Module Coordination: Led curriculum design and assessment for French and Academic Literacy modules, supporting bilingual tourism management education
- Academic Management: Provided academic oversight, including quality assurance, student mentorship, and curriculum updates
- Research Supervision: Supervised students in tourism research projects, fostering analytical skills and industry readiness
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
- Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to institution's research work.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
- Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
Research Contributor
Central University of Technology, Free State
Bloemfontein
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Participated in research initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion within higher education, supporting broader institutional goals
- Collaborated effectively across departments to achieve common goals while maintaining individual accountability.
- Improved internal communications by creating accessible channels for sharing information among staff members.
Module Guide Writer and External Examiner (Entrepreneurship in Tourism Management)
MANCOSA
Bloemfontein
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed module content for Tourism Management, integrating entrepreneurial perspectives and modern practices
- Quality Assurance: Ensured course materials met accreditation and academic standards, contributing to national education quality
- Managed unexpected challenges with flexibility and creative problem-solving, maintaining seamless experiences for guests.
- Utilized strong communication skills to effectively convey complex topics in a digestible manner to diverse audiences.
- Improved overall guest satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and implementing appropriate solutions as needed.
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
- Maintained safety standards during excursions, resulting in zero accidents or incidents.
- Developed an extensive knowledge of local history and culture, enabling the provision of accurate information and insightful commentary during tours.
- Built strong relationships with local vendors, securing exclusive access to attractions for tour participants.
Lecturer (Entrepreneurship & Business Management)
Motheo TVET College
Bloemfontein
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Delivered courses on business management and entrepreneurship within tourism, encouraging practical application of concepts
- Emphasized career-relevant skills through interactive learning activities
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
- Used PowerPoint and Google Classroom technology to give presentations to student classrooms.
- Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
Student Intern and Contract Planner
Vrystaat Kunstefess
Bloemfontein
06.2018 - 12.2020
- Communicated effectively with faculty and staff and accepted critiques and suggestions for areas of improvement.
- Reported back to instructor to receive day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
- Developed time-management skills through balancing multiple assignments while consistently meeting deadlines during internship period.
- Built professional relationships with colleagues at all levels within organization, strengthening interpersonal communication skills during internship experience.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Explored new technologies and approaches to streamline processes.
- Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
French Teacher
Alliance Française de Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Taught French with focus on tourism and communication, enhancing students' language skills for industry contexts
- Improved student fluency in French by incorporating immersive activities and authentic materials.
- Increased language retention through regular oral assessments and constructive feedback.
- Established positive rapport with students, fostering environment of trust and open communication.
- Created reading lists with materials to promote student comprehension of written French.
- Assisted struggling students with individualized tutoring sessions, improving their overall performance in class.
Student Team Lead for Career Fair
Central University Of Technology
Bloemfontein
04.2018 - 05.2018
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
- Established clear performance metrics for the team which helped in tracking progress towards set targets effectively.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
Mentor
Central University of Technology, Free State
Bloemfontein
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Mentored students in Gifted Learners Program, fostering talent development and academic excellence within Tourism Management faculty
- Adapted mentorship style based on individual mentee needs, enabling tailored interventions that drove better results than one-size-fits-all approaches.
- Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Assisted mentees in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth.
- Provided guidance and recommended coping mechanisms for youth dealing with difficult issues.
- Developed trust-based relationships with mentees through active listening and empathetic communication.
Guest House Intern
Acacia Guesthouse
Bloemfontein
09.2017 - 10.2017
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Contributed to positive work environment by actively participating in team-building activities.
- Explored new technologies and approaches to streamline processes.
Student Convener for Varsity Cup Rugby
Central University Of Technology
Bloemfontein
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Maintained safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols and conducting regular inspections.
- Enhanced team productivity through effective communication and collaboration with fellow operators.
- Consistently met or exceeded daily production quotas, contributing to overall team success.
- Assisted in training new Cup Operators, sharing expertise and best practices for optimal performance.
- Identified and resolved technical issues, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent output quality.
- Achieved target production goals by consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
Education
Master of Commerce - Tourism Management
North-West University
Potchefstroom 11.2024 - 11.2024
Post Graduate Certificate - Senior Phase and Further Education & Training, Tourism and Economic Management Sciences
Central University of Technology
Bloemfontein 11.2020 - 12.2020
BTech - Tourism Management
Central University of Technology
Bloemfontein 12.2019 - 03.2020
National Diploma - Tourism Management
Central University of Technology
Bloemfontein 12.2018 - 03.2019
AAT Certificate - Accounting
Central University of Technology
Bloemfontein 12.2014 - 03.2015
Skills
Brand awareness
Event marketing
Event design
Project management
Client meetings
Staff oversight
Budget development
Events requirements gathering
Event planning
Problem-solving
Catering coordination
Social media promotion
Event setup and breakdown
Events logistics management
Special events planning
Timeline
Master of Commerce - Tourism Management
North-West University
11.2024 - 11.2024
Lecturer (Marketing & Professional Practice)
Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
01.2024 - 11.2024
Lecturer (Tourism Management, Marketing, and Development)
IIE Rosebank College
01.2023 - 01.2024
Event Planner
Eventment by DK
01.2022 - Current
Research Contributor
Central University of Technology, Free State
01.2021 - 12.2023
Lecturer & Module Coordinator (French for Tourism Management, Academic Literacy)
Central University of Technology, Free State
01.2021 - 01.2024
Module Guide Writer and External Examiner (Entrepreneurship in Tourism Management)
MANCOSA
01.2021 - 01.2022
Post Graduate Certificate - Senior Phase and Further Education & Training, Tourism and Economic Management Sciences
Central University of Technology
11.2020 - 12.2020
Lecturer (Entrepreneurship & Business Management)
Motheo TVET College
01.2020 - 01.2021
BTech - Tourism Management
Central University of Technology
12.2019 - 03.2020
French Teacher
Alliance Française de Bloemfontein
01.2019 - 01.2020
National Diploma - Tourism Management
Central University of Technology
12.2018 - 03.2019
Student Intern and Contract Planner
Vrystaat Kunstefess
06.2018 - 12.2020
Student Team Lead for Career Fair
Central University Of Technology
04.2018 - 05.2018
Guest House Intern
Acacia Guesthouse
09.2017 - 10.2017
Mentor
Central University of Technology, Free State
01.2017 - 12.2017
Student Convener for Varsity Cup Rugby
Central University Of Technology
01.2017 - 04.2017
AAT Certificate - Accounting
Central University of Technology
12.2014 - 03.2015
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Certification
DELF B1, Alliance Française, 12/2018
Accomplishments
- Extensive Academic Experience: Over 8 years in academia, teaching diverse subjects in marketing, tourism, and communication across institutions like Red & Yellow, IIE Rosebank College, and MANCOSA, with a strong focus on student mentorship and curriculum development.
- Podcast Host: Creator and host of Down to the Second, covering themes of leadership, resilience, and spiritual growth, often drawing on personal and motivational insights.
- Language and Cultural Skills: Former French teacher and interpreter, enhancing cross-cultural communication, valuable for teaching and tourism roles.
- Youth Mentorship: Engaged in student mentoring roles, including tutoring and convening, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Project Development: Spearheaded practical marketing lessons and assessments for second-year students; collaborated on a journaling mini-series for Down to the Second, aligned with Dailyfix journals.
- Marketing and Client Engagement: Skilled in client management, brand development, and professional etiquette, highlighted through academic and industry projects.
- Industry Knowledge: Recognized for expertise in marketing and tourism, bridging theory with practical applications and industry insights.
Affiliations
- Golden Key International Honour Society (recently invited)
- TREES (NWU)
- Nedbank IMC (Attendee)
- Loeries (Awards and Festival)
- Red & Yellow Creative School of Business (Lecturer)
- MANCOSA (Module Guide Updater, External Examiner)
- IIE Rosebank College (Lecturer)
- Central University of Technology, Free State (Lecturer, Module Coordinator)
- Motheo TVET College (Lecturer)
- Alliance Francaise de Bloemfontein (French Teacher)
- Central University of Technology, Free State (Student Tutor, Peer Mentor, Student Convener)
- Vrystaat Kunstefees (Student Intern)
- Confederation Africaine de Natation Amateur (French Interpreter)
- WTM Africa 2025 (speaker)
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridOn-SiteImportant To Me
Career advancementHealthcare benefitsPaid sick leaveWork from home optionFlexible work hoursWork-life balancePersonal development programsTeam Building / Company Retreats4-day work weekLanguages
English
French
Afrikaans
Sesotho
Software
Moodle
Blackboard learn Ultra
Google Suite
Microsoft Suite
ITS/iEnabler
CANVA
WIX
AI prompting
Adobe
Quote
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
Thomas Edison
Interests
Reading
Keeping active