SHARON MDAKA
Communications | Editorial Leadership | Public Relations | Content Strategy
Johannesburg
Summary
Award-winning communications and editorial professional with more than six years of experience leading communication strategies, editorial planning, stakeholder engagement and integrated communication campaigns across media, corporate and sporting environments. Currently leading the editorial strategy and communications for two national mining brands, African Mining Incorporating Mining Mirror and Mining Technical Exhibitions. Experienced in corporate communications, media relations, digital content strategy, public relations, campaign management and executive interviewing. Recognised for delivering measurable communication outcomes through strategic storytelling, audience growth, stakeholder relationship management and successful campaign execution.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Editorial Lead — African Mining Incorporating Mining Mirror
Interact Media Defined
09.2025 - Current
- Lead the editorial direction and communication strategy of one of Africa's leading mining publications.
- Responsibilities
- Lead editorial planning and annual publication strategy.
- Develop integrated content strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Produce editorials, technical articles, thought leadership and feature content.
- Conduct executive interviews with CEOs, government officials and industry leaders.
- Build relationships with PR agencies, mining houses and industry stakeholders.
- Represent the publication at conferences, exhibitions and media events.
- Manage online publishing and digital communications.
- Grow digital audiences and improve engagement.
- Secure media partnerships.
- Identify editorial opportunities aligned with industry trends.
Editorial Lead — Mining Technical Exhibitions (MTE)
Interact Media Defined
09.2025 - Current
- Lead communications and editorial planning for South Africa's travelling mining exhibition programme.
- Responsibilities
- Produce communication plans for exhibitions.
- Develop newsletters and event marketing content.
- Coordinate exhibitor interviews.
- Produce exhibition previews and post-event reports.
- Support event communications before, during and after exhibitions.
- Manage stakeholder communications.
- Build client relationships.
- Promote sponsor visibility through editorial content.
Senior Journalist
Bedfordview Edenvale News (Caxton Local Media)
11.2022 - 09.2025
- Responsibilities
- Covered municipal, business and community news.
- Conducted interviews with business leaders and public officials.
- Produced investigative reports and feature articles.
- Built relationships with community stakeholders.
- Covered community campaigns and events.
- Produced photography for publication.
- Supported social media engagement.
Senior Journalist & Digital Creator
African Reporter
10.2019 - 10.2022
- Responsibilities
- Produced breaking news and feature content.
- Managed digital publishing.
- Conducted interviews.
- Produced multimedia storytelling.
- Supported social media growth.
- Covered major community and corporate events.
Social Media Manager
Massive Metro
02.2018 - 12.2018
- Responsibilities
- Managed social media platforms.
- Developed content calendars.
- Executed digital campaigns.
- Increased audience engagement.
- Monitored analytics.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Journalism
Tshwane University of Technology
National Diploma - Journalism
Tshwane University of Technology
Skills
Strategic Communications
Attention to detail
Teamwork and collaboration
Friendly, positive attitude
Media Relations
Public Relations
Stakeholder Engagement
Internal Communications
External Communications
Content Strategy
Digital Communications
Social Media Management
Brand Positioning
Campaign Management
Copywriting
Editing
Newsletter Development
Executive Interviewing
Photography
WordPress
Canva
Meta Business Suite
Accomplishments
- Gauteng Women's Sports Journalist of the Year (2020)
- Gauteng Women's Sports Journalist of the Year (2021)
- Caxton Award — Best Community Newspaper
- Grew African Mining Incorporating Mining Mirror's LinkedIn community to more than 14,000 followers
- Secured and executed Jeep South Africa's Larger Than Life campaign
- Communications, PR and Social Media Lead for the Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy's Vale Tournament (2025 & 2026)
- Managed communications collaboration for SAHETI School Summer and Winter Festivals
SELECTED CLIENTS & ORGANISATIONS
- African Mining Incorporating Mining Mirror
- Mining Technical Exhibitions
- Jeep South Africa
- SAHETI School
- Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy
- Caxton Local Media
- African Reporter
- Massive Metro
Timeline
Editorial Lead — African Mining Incorporating Mining Mirror
Interact Media Defined
09.2025 - Current
Editorial Lead — Mining Technical Exhibitions (MTE)
Interact Media Defined
09.2025 - Current
Senior Journalist
Bedfordview Edenvale News (Caxton Local Media)
11.2022 - 09.2025
Senior Journalist & Digital Creator
African Reporter
10.2019 - 10.2022
Social Media Manager
Massive Metro
02.2018 - 12.2018
National Diploma - Journalism
Tshwane University of Technology
Advanced Diploma - Journalism
Tshwane University of Technology