kuselwa gongo

Director of Communications

Highly accomplished and results-driven leader harnessing 15+ years of experience in the communications sector to enhance market presence. 

Demonstrated track record of crafting and integrating impactful communications strategies across diverse logistics, aviation, and education sectors. Recognised for transforming corporate affairs functions from support services to strategic business partners, enhancing organizational value. Proven success at managing large budgets, driving cost savings, and ensuring return on investment. Skilled in leveraging digital tools and fostering team growth to meet organizational objectives. Adept at managing high-profile events and spearheading innovative internal communication initiatives to reach a broad range of stakeholders. Committed to designing and delivering training, enhancing team dynamics, and fostering a culture of conscious communication. Skilled in executing high-level events, including visits from Presidential and Ministerial officials. As a Corporate Communications professional, comprehensive experience in compiling annual results reports, conducting press briefings, and creating creative campaigns. Adept at creating processes and guidelines between headquarters and operating divisions and country and regional offices. Natural communicator, talented at building key relationships.

Areas of Expertise

Accomplishments

Increased employee engagement at Mastercard Foundation with a 130% increase in Yammer/Viva Engage user activity, fostering daily participation from 28 to 66 daily users.

Mastercard Foundation, Multiple Locations                                                               2021 – Present

Partner, Internal Communications

• Reported to multiple offices including Kigali, Rwanda, and Pretoria, South Africa.
• Elevated employee engagement by designing and implementing strategic global touchpoints in partnership with the People and Culture team.
• Orchestrated operational initiatives communications, including the Enterprise Transformation Team and various workstreams.
• Successfully positioned the Foundation’s employer brand through innovative marketing and brand reputation programs.
• Enhanced brand reputation by working closely with the Public Affairs & Communications team to ensure internal communications consistency and tone.
• Overhauled Internal Communications function to align with organizational redesign, optimizing efficiency and impact.
• Expanded responsibilities to lead communications for the Disability Inclusion team, entering the program space and directly engaging with NGO partners and youth beneficiaries to spotlight impactful initiatives in the disability inclusion sphere.
• Launched the internal magazine, expanding readership beyond Foundation employees to reach audiences across every continent.
• Demonstrated tangible impact with a surge in advisory and communication management requests.

Ifrik Orbit PTY Ltd, Johannesburg & Pretoria                             2019 – 2020

Director

Managed daily public relations operations, focusing on rebranding SMMEs in the Gauteng area. Ideated and executed communication and public relations strategies for various organizations, managing business development, account relationships, and facilitating employee engagement content. Provided advisory services for personal brand management and mentored young professionals.

• Rebranded numerous SMMEs, increasing their market presence and reach.
• Formulated and implemented impactful communication strategies for organizations like the Orange Grove Residents’ Association, managing complex issues like illegal evictions and community takeover.
• Built strong relationships with clients, managing accounts and driving business development.
• Established and managed co-op marketing relationships and cross-promotional opportunities.
• Mentored 10+ professionals, contributing to their professional growth and career development.

Airports Company South Africa, Johannesburg                                                              2016 – 2019

Senior Manager: Corporate Affairs

Led change communications strategy, setting the stage for a shift in behaviour and amplifying key strategic messages. Conceptualized and executed tactical internal communication campaigns, focusing on stakeholder and employee engagement, audience segmentation, and channel selection. Offered counsel and support to the CEO and executive management team, meeting communications objectives. Oversaw a direct team and matrix team members across the airport network to ensure standardization of Corporate Affairs deliverables.

• Pioneered execution of live, company-wide television broadcasts, facilitating group-wide, simultaneous engagements.
• Successfully developed and gained Exco approval for ACSA’s internal PR strategy, ensuring impactful campaigns and programs focused on return-on-investment activities.
• Championed the advent of new digital tools within the Corporate Affairs environment, including Office 365, internal digital advertising, and WhatsApp.
• Managed R15 million budget and consistently achieved at least 50% cost savings.
• Transitioned internal communications function from reactive to proactive, repositioning it as a strategic business partner.

Transnet SOC LTD, Johannesburg                                                     2012 – 2016

Internal Communications Manager

Headed internal communication function, focusing on enhancing the company’s reputation. Planned and executed high-level events, including visits from Presidential and Ministerial officials to various sites. Directed comprehensive initiatives such as annual results report compilation, press briefings, and creative campaigns.

• Established Group Corporate Affairs plan in collaboration with Corporate Affairs team for implementation across Operating Divisions.
• Boosted Group Chief Executive in-person engagements and visibility with employees across South African sites, regularly engaging groups of 1000.
• Led Group Leadership team in communications initiatives, including broadcasts and roadshows across South Africa.
• Introduced an innovative company-wide SMS platform for instant communication with 10K+ management employees, a pioneering initiative.
• Coached Corporate and Public Affairs Graduates in training, contributing to their professional development.
• Managed a yearly budget of R2 million, showcasing financial insight and efficiency.
• Created and integrated booklet simplifying the corporate strategy for internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Experience

Public Relations Officer – Office of The Dean of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Director, Rail Link Communications, Johannesburg, South Africa

Marketing Manager, Transnet Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa

Corporate Communications Specialist, Transnet Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa

Junior Lecturer, The University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Languages

English, Full Proficiency    

isiXhosa, Full Proficiency 

French, Intermediate Proficiency 

Board Membership

Trustee: Thermo Fischer Scientific Phambili Trust (2023)