Archive
Opinions
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The 276 Girls of Chibok
May 13, 2014
09 April 2014 – It is with much interest that I’ve watched the news cycle and reporting of the 276 school girls who were kidnapped in Chibok, north-east Nigeria on 14th April 2014. The video of Boko Haram’s leader containing a description of what they plan to do to the girls went viral a couple of days ago and that’s when the conversation and the global news churn really went into overdrive...
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Freedom of Expression is Free until…
April 25, 2014
The 27th of April is the day we celebrate Freedom Day in South Africa. Every year, on this day, I post a Facebook status reminding the people in my circle how much was sacrificed for our freedom. And in the time leading up to that day I am taking time out to reflect on what freedom means to me as a South African, and also to reflect on what my understanding of this constitutional right...
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Political Parties Seem to Have Missed the Social Media Boat in the Run Up to the 2014 Elections
March 11, 2014
The 2014 Elections are just less than two months away and South Africa’s political landscape is buzzing with a series of messages, campaigns, door-to-door electioneering, spats between journalists and politicians and so much more. With the election machine currently running at full-throttle with parties fighting to get their message heard, it’s surprising that a recent research report by World Wide Worx criticises most political parties for missing the boat on social media...
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Why Industry Awards Should Not Be Over Looked
February 19, 2014
As PR professionals we are not naturally geared for soaking up the limelight. Most of our hours are spent developing and executing plans that showcase the successes of our clients. We are often the unsung heroes who remain in the background when the lights go on. We work hard to craft well thought of, inspiring campaigns with brilliance that we often take for granted. There is a tremendous amount of thought, time and energy put...
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Why Are NekNominations a Viral Phenomenon?
February 12, 2014
There is a lot of controversy around the latest viral phenomenon that is the Neck and Nominate fad. For those that are unaware, NekNominations are a global viral drinking game where the nominee consumes a large amount of alcohol in a single gulp, and nominates two of their friends to follow suit. All of this is of course captured on video and posted on social media for the world to see (possibly something that can...
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Facebook Look Back Videos
February 11, 2014
By now I’m sure all of you have had some experience of the current Facebook fad - the Look Back video - maybe you have even made one for yourself, a 62 second flashback of your entire social adventure on Facebook. The Look Back video is Facebook’s ten year birthday present to its community of almost one billion users across the globe...
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The Rise of Minstrel Shows in South African Television
November 8, 2013
American minstrel theatre died in the early 20th century but its legacy lives on in 21st century South African television ads. The theatrical form was founded on the enactment of racial stereotypes, branded by rainbow coloured costumes, blackened faces, thick lips and bad jokes...
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The Art of True Consulting Starts With Listening
October 31, 2013
With just over 4 years of industry experience under my belt, I am pleased to say that I have learnt quite a lot about good client service. One of the key things that I was taught during my intern days by a phenomenal consultant that I had the privilege of working with - Caroline Halton- was to master the art of listening...
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Media Pitching – The Perfect Date
October 16, 2013
When I first started in PR I didn’t realise one of my biggest strength’s would be media relations. I remember my first cold call to a journalist distinctly. There were so many thoughts running through my mind- what am I going to say, are they going to respond positively, how will I land the pitch. And I shudder when I think of my first press release, which I felt I had under achieved. The main...
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Confessions Of An Intern…
September 17, 2013
Ok, let me take you back in time: When asked what you wanted to become in the junior phases of your life, you’d mention the title of the job you desired at that time. For instance, ‘I want to be the CEO of company X’. Did you ever ask yourself exactly what that title entailed? Did you have a plan as to what steps you needed to take to get to the point of being...