On the 29th of August, the Ocean Sciences Campus Conference B Hall at Nelson Mandela University was the setting for a powerful and enlightening event—“The Empowerment of Women in Digital Public Relations.” Hosted by the Department of Media and Communications, this event aimed to inspire Public Relations students and equip them with the knowledge to thrive in the digital PR space.
The day began with a warm welcome from the Head of Department, Vermaak Griessel Janelle, setting a positive tone for the event. Viwe Kambule, an Advanced Diploma in Public Relations student, introduced the theme of the day, highlighting the importance of digital consciousness and continuous learning in the field.
The event kicked off with a creative presentation led by Mrs. Nomfundo Khumalo- Zwane, an Associate Lecturer in Digital Animation. Her topic, “Multimedia as a Catalyst in Digital PR,” was particularly stimulating, demonstrating how animation and multimedia can breathe new life into storytelling and engagement in the PR space.
The second session featured Cayla Stuthard, Senior Buyer and Brand Manager at Yellow Zebra Optical, who shared her expertise on thriving within the corporate PR environment. Cayla’s presentation focused on navigating the ever-changing PR landscape, emphasizing the importance of cultivating strong relationships within the corporate sector.
The highlight of the event was the final session, led by Prof. Noluxolo Gcaza, founder of The Cyberculture Foundation. As the main speaker, Prof. Gcaza engaged the audience with her discussion on digital wellness. She underscored the importance of maintaining mental and emotional balance in a hyper-connected world and encouraged students to promote positive digital knowledge.
The event was more than a success; it was a significant step in building a community of empowered, forward-thinking women who are poised to lead the way in digital public relations, putting the future of the industry in very capable hands.