Zara Nicholson

I am passionate about communications, media and networking. My skills include media liaison, media engagement, stakeholder engagement and relations, public relations, researching, speech writing, crisis management, thought leadership/opinions pieces, problem solving, events planning and management, networking, international relations.

I am a go-getter with a can-do attitude, accustomed to working on high profile matters and on tight deadlines.

I am efficient, meticulous and a passionate worker always striving to deliver beyond expectations.

I pride myself on maintaining a good work ethic as a reliable, accountable professional always driven to succeed in any task and maintain a high-standard of work. I am fiercely passionate about making a difference and enjoy working with people who want to be part of change for the better.

I have always been described by managers, colleagues and external stakeholders as 'a hard worker, core member of the team, an asset, someone who can be thrown in at the deep end and someone who understands the gymnastics of international diplomacy and thrives under pressure.'

• Energetic PR professional bringing robust background in engineering messages to boost company image.
• Driven to craft targeted messaging to promote and inform general public of events, promotions and campaigns.
• Professional Media Liaison and Speech Writer with more than 10 years 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 briefing documents, booking photographers, reserving event venues and preparing eye-catching graphics.
• Highly adept in authoring speeches, press releases and marketing materials.
• Driven public relations professional, expert in planning events to increase positive publicity.
• Dedicated to improving public image by developing close relationships with communities, stakeholders and media.
• More than 10 years in issues management and public relations. Exceptionally experienced in public relations. Talent for building and maintaining brand reputation through successful PR strategies.
• Highly motivated to shape public opinion and increase brand awareness.
• Energetic self-starter and team builder. Navigates high-stress situations and achieves goals on time. Committed to achieving tangible results and cross-team collaboration.
• Proactive and excited to partner with like-minded individuals to achieve goals.
• Customer-focused media manager, utilises excellent organisational skill to enhance efficiency and lead teams to achieve outstanding results.
• Detail-orientated, adept at making critical decisions and managing deadlines.
• Dedicated to self-development to provide expectation-exceeding service.
• Utilises superior communication skills to build meaningful, trusting relationships that exceed client demands.
• Meets job demands and deadlines through diligent work-ethic and dedication to quality.
• Trustworthy, self-motivated to consistently provide first-class results in line with stringent targets and deadlines.

• Https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/ramaphosa-hands-over-land-tittle-deeds-to-limpopo-farmers-2021-05-24
• Https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sebenza-live/2021-06-23-dreams-come-true-for-tafelkop-community/
• https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/couple-enjoy-life-again-in-district-six-1199368
• https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/cape-times/20120515/281663957040128
• https://www.iol.co.za/news/lotz-family-flooded-with-calls-after-reward-offered-1260678
• https://www.iol.co.za/news/probe-into-alleged-ponzi-scam-1024928
• https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/wp-stand-firm-on-stadium-boycott-1180521
• https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/city-gives-r550m-cticc-expansion-a-nod-1667239
• https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/auction-kickback-scandal-probed-1238111

• Department of Public Works and Infrastructure - Statements and Speeches written between August 2019 - February 2023, https://www.publicworks.gov.za/press-release.html
• Department of Tourism, Statements and Speeches written between March 2023 - Current, https://www.tourism.gov.za/Media-Statements/MediaStatements/Pages/MediaStatments.aspx

• Janet Heard, Former News Editor - Cape Argus, +27 78 041 9528
• Vivien Horler, Former News Editor - Cape Argus and Weekend Argus, +27 82 452 1766
• Anita Mendiratta, Internationally respected strategic advisor, author, speaker and on-air/stage personality. Founder and head of Anita Mendiratta & Associates. Globally renowned tourism & development firm, offering consulting to empower destinations and leaders worldwide, anita@anitamendiratta.com, +44 7557 818030
• Priya Reddy, Director Communications - City of Cape Town, Priya.Reddy@capetown.gov.za, +27 84 549 3935
• Lance Greyling, Head of Enterprise and Investment - City of Cape Town, lance.greyling@capetown.gov.za, +27 83 298 8553
• Roger Solomons, Chief of Staff in Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, solomonsroger1@gmail.com, +27 72 299 3551
• Nombulelo Nyathela, Head of Stakeholder Relations - Infrastructure South Africa, +27 60 503 4933
• Mncedisi Mtshali, Chief of Staff in Ministry of Tourism, mmtshali@tourism.gov.za, +27 73 651 5109
• Thandiwe Mathibela, General Manager Media and Communications - SA Tourism, thandiwe@southafrica.net, +27 82 552 0979

• Supervised team of staff members in Mayoral Press Unit
• Collaborated with team at Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) in the development of site visits, events and monitoring of major infrastructure projects across South Africa
• Developed international relations process
• Regular winner of Reporter of the Week award during first three years as a reporter at the Cape Argus and Weekend Argus