Thembeka Gumede
Freelancer
Durban
Summary
Team-oriented self-starter bringing 6 years in training, staff development, management and human resources. Exceptional communication, analytical and organizational skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Public Relations Manager (Volunteer)
IPYG
1 2014 - Current
- Manage relationships with journalists and media houses across Malawi, Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa, enhancing media coverage
- Author press releases and facilitate journalist funding for international events, increasing event visibility
- Conduct cold calls, emails, and proposals to expand media relations, boosting brand presence
- Maintain brand image, organize youth events, and major walks, fostering community engagement
- Assist in drafting letters to presidents and parliament members, advocating for organizational causes
- Support country-specific competitions and collaborate with Social Media Manager, amplifying online presence.
Training and Development Supervisor
S&M Consultants
01.2024 - Current
- Strengthened relationships between departments by facilitating cross-functional team-building exercises
- Reduced costs associated with external training providers by developing in-house expertise across key competencies
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, reducing time-to-full productivity
- Led the creation of a mentorship program, pairing seasoned professionals with less experienced colleagues for career growth opportunities
- Managed new employee orientation training process for more than 6 employees each year
Managing Director
Deafinition
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to drive business growth by 88%
- Conducted market research to identify growth opportunities and risks
- Oversaw financial health, including budgeting and forecasting
- Secured funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and donations
- Built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including donors and partners
- Streamlined operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs by 50% in by month 4 of taking the position
- Led and motivated high-performing team to achieve operational excellence
- Developed and executed marketing strategies to enhance visibility and reputation
- Represented the organization at industry events and public forums
Regional Leader
Edunova
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Worked with youth, media, donors, school governing bodies, and department of education
- Recruited, trained, and directed a regional team of 200 young facilitators in coding and robotics education
- Served as key liaison between regional offices and headquarters
- Managed project timelines, budgets, and resources to achieve project milestones
- Facilitated workshops to deliver training sessions for over 200 facilitators
- Prepared detailed annual training reports
- Utilized learning management systems to administer interactive online training and troubleshoot issues.
Facilitator/Training Development
iThembalethu
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Worked with children and youth
- Facilitated engaging and interactive training sessions
- Contributed to the development of training materials and curriculum
- Provided mentorship and guidance to junior facilitators.
Education
Bachelor of Social Science in Management and Political Science -
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban 01.2024 - 09.2024
Diploma in HR - Human Resources Development
Alison
Online 04.2001 -
South African Sign Language - African Languages
EDeaf
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Facilitation Certificate - Facilitation
The Very Cool Ideas
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Fundraising and Public Relations Strategic Management Project Management Business Development HR and Workforce Planning Curriculum Development Performance Management Cross Functional Collaboration Data Analytics and Reporting Public Speaking Leadership and Team Management Innovation and Strategic Planning Proficiency in Technology and Social Media Design Software (Canva) CRM Software Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills Excellent Administrative and Numeracy Skills
Fluent in [English]
Certification
Diploma in Human Resources, Alison Institute, 2023
Driverlicense
Code 10
Car
Yes
Languages
English (Fluent)
IsiZulu (Fluent)
South African Sign Language (Intermediate)
French 101 (Basic)
References
- Karen Brokensha, Chief Storyteller and Community Builder, Domino Foundation, 0837775633, Marketing@domino.org.za
- Ziphelele Mdlalo, National Implementation Manager, Edunova, 0736567626, ziphelele.mdlalo@edunova.org
- Chipo Magombo, IPYG African Countires Team Leader, 0769637925, mavismagombo@gmail.com
Timeline
Training and Development Supervisor
S&M Consultants
01.2024 - Current
Bachelor of Social Science in Management and Political Science -
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2024 - 09.2024
Managing Director
Deafinition
01.2022 - 01.2024
Regional Leader
Edunova
01.2020 - 01.2022
Facilitator/Training Development
iThembalethu
01.2018 - 01.2020
Diploma in HR - Human Resources Development
Alison
04.2001 -
South African Sign Language - African Languages
EDeaf
04.2001 -
Facilitation Certificate - Facilitation
The Very Cool Ideas
04.2001 -
Public Relations Manager (Volunteer)
IPYG
1 2014 - Current
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