SAP
Odwa Mahlungulu
Public Relations & Communication Professional
Sandton
Summary
Dynamic Public Relations and Communications professional with over 9 years of progressive experience in administration, media relations, recalls, fundraising, and student support. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Public Relations and Communication Science, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Proven track record in effective multitasking, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement, recognized for delivering operational excellence while fostering collaborative relationships. Adept at enhancing institutional visibility and optimizing processes to drive organizational success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
Certificates
5
5
Languages
Work History
Admin Assistant
Durban University of Technology
Durban
01.2016 - Current
- Promoted from PR Intern to Admin Assistant within five years.
- Managed communication, filing systems, expense claims, and confidential documents.
- Organized meetings, prepared reports, and presentations, and supported HR functions.
- Delivered staff training and created internal process documentation.
- Drafted and distributed press releases, consulted with media, and enhanced institutional visibility.
- Progressed from Intern to Admin Assistant within five years, proving exceptional performance.
- Consistently delivered tangible results in a fast-paced work environment.
- Managed incoming calls and emails, providing prompt responses or directing queries to appropriate departments.
- Maintained comprehensive filing systems, both digital and paper-based, for easy retrieval of documents.
- Managed confidential information with discretion, upholding data protection standards.
- Supported office operations by taking on ad-hoc clerical duties.
- Processed expense claims and invoices, ensuring exact financial records and prompt payments.
- Provided support to human resources, helping with recruitment processes and keeping employee records.
- Proofread and corrected several types of documentation.
- Prepared and edited correspondence, reports, and presentations to support executive communication.
- Scheduled and prepared for board meetings, including preparing agendas and taking minutes.
- Delivered staff inductions and training sessions on administrative procedures, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Prepared press releases and managed communications with the media to enhance public relations.
- Engaged with media and public relations activities, effectively promoting the team and building personal brand.
- Used exceptional communication and relationship-building skills to engage consumers in face-to-face surveys.
Residence Advisor
Durban University of Technology
Durban
02.2023 - 12.2025
- Led community-building initiatives to support student graduation and retention.
- Promoted inclusive and safe living spaces for diverse student populations.
- Mediated conflicts and mentored students for academic and personal success.
- Appointed Residence Advisor in 2023 to lead initiatives supporting academic excellence and graduation.
- Advocated for student affairs, enhancing community engagement and retention.
- Promoted safe, inclusive environment for all residents to thrive.
- Mentored students to develop leadership skills and foster personal growth.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
Tutor Mentor Advisor (CELT)
Durban University of Technology
Durban
02.2023 - 11.2025
- Monitored academic progress and developed intervention strategies.
- Created a supportive learning environment for students of varying skill levels.
- Tutored students in one-to-one and small group sessions to progress learning.
- Analysed student progress and prepared feedback to improve test results.
- Organised and kept detailed records of tutoring sessions, including students' progress, to track and report outcomes effectively.
- Cultivated a safe and supportive learning environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and expressing difficulties.
- Aided students of all skill levels in core subjects.
- Monitored students' academic performance and behaviour, intervening when necessary to address challenges.
Call Centre Agent (TalkTalk UK)
Call Centre International
Durban
02.2018 - 02.2019
- Managed inbound/outbound calls and provided efficient solutions to customer issues.
- Enhanced customer experience and achieved improved satisfaction metrics.
Sales Assistant
Busby Retail (Frasers)
Durban
10.2016 - 02.2017
- Managed transactions, performed stock control, and implemented upselling strategies.
- Boosted daily sales and minimized stock discrepancies.
PR Intern (HIV/AIDS Centre)
Durban University of Technology
Durban
01.2016 - 10.2016
- Aided with community outreach and campaign planning.
- Developed public relations content to raise awareness on key health issues.
Volunteer (Fundraising Department)
KZN Blind and Deaf Society
Durban
03.2015 - 07.2015
- Organized awareness events and strengthened donor relationships.
- Collaborated on strategic fundraising initiatives to support ongoing programs.
Education
Master of Public Relations & Communication Science - Public Relations
04-2027
Focus: Public Relations, Communication Studies, Disability Studies
Postgraduate Diploma - Public Relations & Communication
12.2023
Achieved two distinctions, in Research Methodologies
Advanced Diploma - Public Relations & Communication
12.2022
Distinction in Project Management
National Diploma - Public Relations & Communication
12.2017
Obtained four distinctions
Grade 12 -
12.2013
Bachelor Pass
Skills
Effective communication strategies
Administrative support
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Event coordination
Strategic media communication
Effective project coordination
Academic support
Hiring and orientation processes
Research proficiency
Software
ORACLE
CRM
POS
Microsoft 365
Certification
TEFL Certificate - Alison Academy
Interests
Travelling
Writing
Teaching
Timeline
Residence Advisor - Durban University of Technology
02.2023 - 12.2025
Tutor Mentor Advisor (CELT) - Durban University of Technology
02.2023 - 11.2025
Call Centre Agent (TalkTalk UK) - Call Centre International
02.2018 - 02.2019
Sales Assistant - Busby Retail (Frasers)
10.2016 - 02.2017
Admin Assistant - Durban University of Technology
01.2016 - Current
PR Intern (HIV/AIDS Centre) - Durban University of Technology
01.2016 - 10.2016
Volunteer (Fundraising Department) - KZN Blind and Deaf Society
03.2015 - 07.2015
Durban University of Technology - Master of Public Relations & Communication Science, Public Relations
Durban University of Technology - Postgraduate Diploma, Public Relations & Communication
Durban University of Technology - Advanced Diploma, Public Relations & Communication
Durban University of Technology - National Diploma, Public Relations & Communication
Futura High School - Grade 12,