Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Nomathamsanqa Gara

Communications Specialist
Port Elizabeth

Summary

Detail-oriented professional with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
8081
8081
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications

Work History

Compliance Officer

Crossbow Africa Holdings
Port Elizabeth
03.2023 - Current
  • Ensured ongoing compliance with transport, safety, and environmental regulations, contributing to a noticeable reduction in minor non-compliance incidents over a 12-month period.
  • Conducted over 15 internal safety audits and supported at least 5 external inspections, all concluded with minimal corrective actions required.
  • Trained 25+ team members on compliance protocols and company transport policies, which improved daily operational adherence and reduced common procedural errors.

Public Relations Officer

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Port Elizabeth
09.2018 - 12.2022
  • Led the implementation of a communication strategy and media engagement plan, resulting in a 30% increase in local media coverage and stakeholder awareness.
  • Developed targeted content for both internal updates and external platforms, including newsletters, social media, and service announcements, ensuring message clarity and brand consistency.
  • Managed crisis communication and coordinated stakeholder messaging during service disruptions and incidents, helping to maintain public trust and minimize reputational risk.
  • Improved the municipality's or company’s digital presence and responsiveness, contributing to a 40% increase in online engagement and faster customer query resolution times.

Public Relations Coordinator

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Port Elizabeth
06.2021 - 12.2021
  • Supervised day-to-day operations of the PR team, ensuring timely delivery of communication materials and maintaining quality across all public-facing content.
  • Oversaw the PR budget and implemented cost-effective crisis communication strategies, enabling rapid response during service delays or safety incidents.
  • Acted as key liaison between internal departments and media outlets, streamlining the flow of accurate information and supporting coordinated public messaging.

Data Capturer

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Port Elizabeth
04.2016 - 08.2018
  • Accurately processed and recorded employee leave applications and entitlements, ensuring up-to-date and compliant HR records.
  • Maintained and updated HR databases, and supported internal compliance audits by preparing employee documentation and attendance reports.

Secretary

Nokwe Corporation
Port Elizabeth
05.2010 - 12.2012
  • Managed legal correspondence, court schedules, and filing deadlines to ensure timely responses and organized documentation.
  • Assisted with basic billing, legal research, and daily office operations, contributing to improved workflow efficiency and case preparation support

Education

Master of Community Development -

UJ
Johannesburg, Gauteng
04.2027

Masters in Human Rights -

UFS
Bloemfotein
04.2023

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law

UNISA
Pretoria
05.2021

Bachelor of Applied Communication Management - Digital Communications And Multimedia

University of Fort Hare
Alice, Eastern Cape
05.2010

Skills

  • Strategic Communications & PR

  • Community Engagement

  • Policy Advocacy

  • Media Relations

  • Digital Campaigns (Hootsuite, Canva, Mailchimp)

Regulatory Compliance

Certification

Skills Auditing- GL Training and Consulting- 2022

References

Available upon request

Accomplishments

  • Recognized as the Communications Department's Outstanding Employee of 2022.
  • Amplified the reach of NMBM's Facebook page by crafting engaging infographics, ensuring timely responses to social media inquiries, and enhancing overall user experience.
  • Pioneered the research and development of a cutting-edge communications policy, set to govern all interactions between NMBM and its valued stakeholders.

Timeline

Compliance Officer

Crossbow Africa Holdings
03.2023 - Current

Public Relations Coordinator

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
06.2021 - 12.2021

Public Relations Officer

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
09.2018 - 12.2022

Data Capturer

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
04.2016 - 08.2018

Secretary

Nokwe Corporation
05.2010 - 12.2012

Master of Community Development -

UJ

Masters in Human Rights -

UFS

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law

UNISA

Bachelor of Applied Communication Management - Digital Communications And Multimedia

University of Fort Hare
Nomathamsanqa GaraCommunications Specialist