Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
I am a strategic communications and narrative leader with close to two decades of experience shaping organisational voice, reputation, and public positioning within complex, multi-country environments. I currently lead communications at the Graça Machel Trust, supporting organisational and programme-level storytelling across more than 18 African countries. My work focuses on translating complex advocacy, policy and programme work into clear, compelling narratives that advance understanding, build credibility, and strengthen engagement with partners, funders, media and communities. I work closely with senior leadership and the Office of the Founder to deliver communications that accurately reflect priorities, values and positioning. This includes supporting communications for Her Excellency Graça Machel and her office, ensuring that public narratives are thoughtful, coherent and grounded in the lived realities of women and girls. Known for calm leadership, narrative clarity and strategic judgement, I bring together creative direction, operational discipline and deep empathy. I am particularly drawn to environments where communication is valued as a strategic function, and where storytelling plays a central role in shaping impact, accountability and change.
Lead the strategic communications and narrative positioning of a pan-African organisation working across more than 18 African countries to advance the rights and economic participation of women and girls. Lead organisational and programme-level communications strategy, ensuring coherence, credibility and impact across geographies. Work closely with senior leadership and the Office of the Founder to deliver communications that accurately reflect organisational priorities, values and positioning. Support communications for Her Excellency Graça Machel and her office, translating complex advocacy and programme work into clear, compelling public narratives. Lead communications for flagship programmes, campaigns and convenings, strengthening visibility and partner engagement. Oversee reputation management and media relations in high-visibility and high-pressure contexts. Lead and mentor a communications team of three, embedding systems and processes that strengthen consistency and efficiency. Oversee the development of content across digital, campaign, media and thought-leadership platforms. (Official title: Communications Manager)
Founded and led a boutique communications and marketing consultancy supporting purpose-driven organisations and entrepreneurs. Advised leaders on positioning, storytelling and communication strategy. Designed brand narratives and communication frameworks aligned to business growth. Oversaw end-to-end delivery of campaigns, content production, digital platforms and online events. Built and managed client relationships and suppliers.
Senior operational and strategic leader within a full-service communications and media agency. Led agency operations for a team of 25+ staff, including organisational change management during the COVID-19 period. Led strategy development across communications, media and marketing portfolios. Developed integrated multimedia and media-buying strategies and oversaw large-scale campaign rollouts. Managed and oversaw multimillion-rand budgets, ensuring accountability, performance and delivery. Spearheaded new business development, leading high-stakes proposals and pitch processes. Introduced new platforms and tools to modernise client communications and reporting
Led communications within one of Africa’s largest and most innovative health insurance organisations. Directed health communications across multiple channels, leading a multidisciplinary team of 13 specialists. Planned and delivered complex communications for millions of members, including annual health plan updates and emergency correspondence. Developed and supported crisis communications strategies. Presented strategic plans and insights directly to Executive Committee (Exco).
Early career roles spanning communications strategy, account leadership, television production and storytelling, forming the foundation of a narrative-led leadership approach.