Nelson Mandela University Celebrated Women’s Month With Empowerment Event in Digital Public Relations.

• Nelson Mandela University hosts a Women’s Empowerment Event.
• Equipping students with the skills to succeed in the digital PR industry.
• Insights into the rapidly evolving PR landscape.

Gqeberha, 04 September 2024: The event took place on the 29th of August 2024 at the Ocean Science Campus at Nelson Mandela University. The event commemorating Women’s Month brought together public relations students from their first to third years to gain valuable insights into the industry themed “Women’s Empowerment in Digital Public Relations,” it featured esteemed guest speakers who shared their expertise in their fields and navigating the digital landscape of Public Relations.

Keynote speakers included:

• Noluxolo Gcaza, Founder of Cyberculture Foundation and Associate Professor at Nelson Mandela University.
• Cayla Stuthard, Senior Buyer & Brand Manager for Spec-Savers,  shared her inspiring journey in the PR industry.
• Nomfundo Khumalo-Zwane, Association Lecturer in Digital Animation.

The program opened with remarks from the Head of the Department Vermaak Griessel Janelle urging females in the corporate world to not tear each other down but help each other up the corporate ladder. Encouraging the students in attendance to draw inspiration from the guest speakers.

The event kicked off with Nomfundo Khumalo-Zwane showcasing how powerful animation is in telling a story. She spoke on how animation is limitless as opposed to traditional advertising inspiring innovation to the mind’s desire. Redefining what is possible in communicating a company’s brand to audiences striking emotion and simplifying concepts.

The second speaker Cayla who was a former Public Relations Student herself spoke about how she wasted no time and got her very first PR internship during her first year at a local firm to get first-hand experience in the field and meet Michelle Brown whom she asked to learn her ways.

Most importantly she highlighted the 7 areas she believes are the cornerstone of public relations and how one can use these insights to not only navigate but excel in the dynamic field.

1. Embracing change and innovation.
2. Leverage data-driven insights.
3. Cultivate strong relationships.
4. Prioritizing transparency and authenticity.
5. Being proactive and not reactive.
6. Focusing on creating an engaging narrative.
7. Taking time to measure and reflect.

Lastly, Prof. Noluxolo Gcaza emphasized the importance of digital vigilance and responsible social media usage. Learning to be responsible with the kind of information shared on social media pages, spreading positivity on social media, and taking into account that potential employers do a background check before employing anyone. She also touched on one of the reasons why the Cyberculture Foundation started after speaking at a High School a learner shared their experience of being cyberbullied. This led to her realizing how big of a culture Cyber Bullying is. While encouraging digital well-being and youth mental health.

The event also saw a guest poet deliver two heartfelt poems speaking on topics affecting women in today’s day and age in between the speakers. The event closed with a Q&A in which both the media and the students could participate in asking questions to the guest speakers. Who shared insights about their respective fields, and experiences that shaped them and gave advice on how to navigate being women in the corporate industry.

Key takeaways from the event:

• Nomfundo Khumalo-Zwane highlighted how animation correlates with PR students to create memorable brand storytelling.
• Cayla Stuthard encouraged students to find their niche in the diverse PR field and “become the trendsetters.”
• “Craft campaigns that leave the target audience feeling good; your power is in engaging in ethical storytelling, transparency, & promoting diversity,” Prof Gcaza

“We are proud to have hosted this empowering event, which aimed to inspire and equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the digital PR industry,” said Dr. Janelle Vermaak-Griessel, Head of the Department of Media and Communication.

To the Department of Media and Communication that facilitated the event namely Dr. Vuyelwa Jacobs, Ms. Cindy Preller, and Dr. Vermaak-Griessel, on behalf of all the attendees I would like to thank them for their tireless efforts in making this event a resounding success.

Source: Nelson Mandela University

About Nelson Mandela University: Nelson Mandela University is a leading institution of higher learning, committed to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and community engagement.

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