Pinda Ndamase
Communications Officer
Summary
I am an experienced Communications Officer with a proven track record in developing and performing communication plans to improve brand visibility and engage target audiences effectively. I am also capable of joining the power of digital media and social platforms to drive online presence, create persuasive content, and foster community engagement. I strive to be a cooperative team player with an ability for building strong working relationships, both internally and externally, to achieve communication objectives and organizational goals. Now a Professional Communications Officer with 3years 7 months of experience in devising successful media strategies and orchestrating special events. Meticulous in managing and carrying out special events by arranging for media presence, composing written documents, booking photographers, reserving event venues and preparing eye-catching graphics. Highly adept in authoring speeches, press releases, and marketing materials.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Communications Officer
Higher Health
10.2020 - Current
- Develop a comprehensive web and social media strategy for HIGHER HEALTH
- Create and publish daily online content for both social media and the website
- Establish a monthly social media calendar for structured posting
- Engage in live tweeting during relevant events
- Manage and nurture the online community across all social platforms
- Organize and oversee virtual events coordination
- Maintain HIGHER HEALTH's YouTube account and track its performance
- Create and maintain a picture repository for HIGHER HEALTH
- Create and maintain a media and communications repository
- Support with the content creation, development and distribution of quarterly newsletter for stakeholders
- Communicate all programme and organization milestones, news, etc
- To all HIGHER HEALTH stakeholders, including weekly internal newsletter & communications
- Support the organization on ad-hoc communication needs
- Provide administrative support to the communications department
- Provide additional administrative support to Future Beats officer
- Regular updating and maintenance of a HIGHER HEALTH stakeholder database
- Write and optimize content for the website, digital newsletters, print publications and social networking sites
- Ensure consistency in terms of voice, branding, messaging, and frequency of posting via digital channels
- Handle media enquiries and create effective news releases to gain positive press coverage
- Develop and deliver well-executed and effective campaigns
- To develop working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and partners
- Use project planning techniques to deliver projects and actively manage project budgets
- Work closely with appointed agencies to ensure delivery of KPIs as per operational plan.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Established key relationships with media representatives, securing positive coverage for the organization.
- Enhanced brand visibility by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Managed media relations for organizations to produce successful results.
Receptionist
Virgin Active South Africa
04.2019 - 06.2019
- Handled incoming and outgoing package deliveries, working with vendors to complete special requests and track missing packages.
- Welcomed customers with friendly greeting, answered general questions, gathered nature of visit and directed to specific offices.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
- Operated multi-line telephone system to answer and direct high volume of calls.
- Routed incoming mail and messages to relevant personnel without delay.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Administrative Assistant
Ayethe Projects
04.2016 - 12.2017
- Managed diaries and appointments
- Handled office tasks, scheduling, and administrative duties.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships among colleagues.
- Received and sorted incoming mail and packages to record, dispatch, or distribute to correct recipient.
- Streamlined invoice processing procedures to ensure timely payment of vendors while minimizing errors in financial records.
- Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing crucial documents.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Promoter
Student Head Quarters
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Provided client liaison and registration at events
- Assisted in promotional activities.
- Stayed current on industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to the role of a Promoter, incorporating new strategies and techniques as appropriate.
- Collaborated with sales staff to identify target customers, promote products and increase sales.
- Greeted customers warmly and pleasantly answered inquiries.
- Engaged customers to communicate key product features.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
Event Assistant
Foot Soldier's Conference
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Coordinated meeting rooms and client assistance
- Complete errands to help an event planner.
- Planned and maintained event timelines to track milestones and successfully reach event goals.
- Promoted a safe environment at events through strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Managed event set-up and tear-down, ensuring timely completion of tasks for seamless transitions.
- Set up event facilities and equipment, cleaned areas, and organized supplies.
- Greeted and directed guests at private events and explained seating arrangements to keep tables organized.
Education
Diploma in Events Management - Events Management
Oxford Home Study Center OHSC
Centurion, South Africa 04.2001 -
National Certificate - Journalism
Creative Arts College
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Grosvenor Girls High School
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Event Networking
PR strategy development
Relationship Building
Press Release Writing
Time management abilities
Customer Service
Survey Creation
Event Coordination
Brand Image Alignment
Photography
Marketing Communications
Corporate Communications
Podcast Production
Media Relations
Media Communications
Report Writing
Teamwork and Collaboration
Google Analytics
References
- Ms Qondiswa Cewane, Higher Health, Provincial Coordinator , +27 65 978 2997, Qondiswa.c@higherhealth.ac.za
- Melisizwe Laxa, Ayethe Projects, Director, Melisizwelaxa@gmail.com
- Mr. Jonas Chabalala, Virgin Active, Club Manager, +2773 635 8957, Jonas.chabalala@gmail.com
- Mr. Bonolo Ditsi, Student Head Quarters, Director, +2760 980 1807, bonolo@studenthq.co.za
Timeline
Communications Officer
Higher Health
10.2020 - Current
Receptionist
Virgin Active South Africa
04.2019 - 06.2019
Administrative Assistant
Ayethe Projects
04.2016 - 12.2017
Promoter
Student Head Quarters
01.2014 - 01.2015
Event Assistant
Foot Soldier's Conference
01.2014 - 01.2015
Diploma in Events Management - Events Management
Oxford Home Study Center OHSC
04.2001 -
National Certificate - Journalism
Creative Arts College
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Grosvenor Girls High School
04.2001 -