Swazi Shabalala | Freelancer Resume

CURRICULUM VITAE SWAZI SHABALALA ABOUT ME I am a media and corporate communications professional with extensive experience in managing communication efforts, stakeholder relations and employee engagement within various industries. WORK EXPERIENCE PERSONAL INFORMATION Organisation: Volkswagen Group Africa Nationality: South African Temporary Change Management & Communications Lead: Oct 2024 – Aug 2025 Gender: Female • Lead the strategic planning and execution of project change management Race: African initiatives and communication strategies by driving employee engagement and Home Language: IsiZulu ensuring effective and impactful communication across the African region. Driver’s License: Code 10 • Guide the Group Parts business unit through Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) system change initiatives, analysing impacts and risks, ensuring successful execution. • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of business change, ensuring minimal disruption to operations, and EDUCATION promoting adherence to change management policies and procedures. • Advanced Diploma in Communication • Drive proactive external stakeholder engagement across various digital platforms Management: 2023 - University of through compelling multimedia content, press releases and brand narratives that Johannesburg position VWSA positively in the public eye. • Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies: 2022 - Wits University Organisation: Sasol • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Principal Specialist: Change Management & Communications - (Sep 2022 – Aug Studies: 2018 - University of South Africa 2024) • Bachelor of Arts: 2005 - Wits University • Develop and execute the Business Transformation (BT) change and communication strategy to convey Sasol 2.0 messages to internal audiences to drive engagement, Sasol’s priorities and brand, and the adoption of a new mindset. • Manage all internal and external Sasol 2.0 transformation programme campaigns and build a network of Change Agents and offer support to COURSES Transformation Officers (TOs) on the level of change and communications required • Accredited Scrum Master and Agile for specific initiatives. Champion: 2024 - Sasol • Create and share Sasol 2.0 content across various digital channels to drive • Crisis Communication and Social Media engagement, inform and inspire Team Sasol. Masterclass: 2016 - EduNetworks • Act as a primary contact for all Sasol 2.0 related communication queries, and track • Theory Into Practice: 2009 - Rhodes effectiveness and progress of change initiatives. University Organisation: AngloGold Ashanti Senior Communications Specialist: Digital Technology (Feb 2020 – Aug 2022) • Develop and implement the communications strategy for Group Digital Technology (DT) to drive awareness, engagement, and adoption of new digital technologies across the organisation. • Provide change management services to internal stakeholders to ensure that changes are thoroughly and smoothly implemented and that lasting benefits of change are achieved. • Draft, design and manage DT content for various digital platforms tailored to all internal audiences to maintain brand consistency and engagement. • Lead and manage the DT rebranding campaign, communication initiatives and events. Organisation: First National Bank Internal Communication Manager (July 2018 – July 2019) • Implement the Retail communications strategy and plans to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with the company's goals and culture. • Create content for various internal channels like newsletters, intranet and digital platforms to manage communication campaigns. • Collaborate with business segments to ensure clear and consistent messaging, ultimately fostering a positive workplace environment. • Support various EXCO members to build and deliver the FNB Retail strategy through employee engagements to promote and maintain effective and collaborative relationships. Organisation: Pearson South Africa Media & Communication Specialist (June 2016 – June 2018) • Develop and execute the media and digital communications strategy to enhance reputation, build stakeholder trust, and strengthen transparency. • Conceptualize, develop and design relevant content for all internal and external communication channels including the intranets, websites and digital media platforms to drive engagement and support Pearson South Africa (PSA) and Pearson Institute of Higher Education (PIHE) brand objectives. • Coordinate and manage internal and external events and activations around the PSA and PIHE brand while driving strategic communications initiatives such as the Corporate Social Responsibility plan. • Manage day-to-day media relations requests for brand, and corporate issues, monitoring and public relations, and manage crisis communication as needed and maintain a media database. Organisation: Cross-Border Road Transport Agency Communications Practitioner (Dec 2013 – May 2016) • Support the development and implementation of internal and external communications, and media strategy to build C-BRTA’s reputation and ensure effective media coverage. • Manage and coordinate all internal and external corporate events, campaigns, employee engagements, activations and other public relations engagements including CSI, exhibitions, expos, and media briefings. • Draft content for mainstream and digital communications platforms ensuring that it is up-to-date, engaging, and informative to strengthen C-BRTAs’ reputation and stakeholder trust. • Ensure consistent, engaging, and brand-compliant messaging that aligns employees with business priorities and enhances the employee experience. Organisation: South African Broadcasting Corporation Producer: News and Current Affairs (Aug 2006 – Nov 2013) • Identify, initiate, brainstorm, research and broadcast stories and material that is newsworthy, accurate and fair for various target audiences. • Develop and produce relevant and appropriate current news content to be used across platforms. • Provide quality script and clear voice overs for on-air broadcast. • Identify and develop relationships with relevant sources and maintain relationships to aid in the newsgathering process.