WHAT’S AN INDUSTRY WITHOUT PR? – 2019 Student Symposium
WHAT’S AN INDUSTRY WITHOUT PR? – 2019 Student Symposium
Some of the speakers of the PR 2019 Symposium
Lerato Tsolo
Public Relations is a vast field of study which entails a variety of options when it comes to careers. It comprises of Communication, Media, Photography and Public Relations. What’s an industry without PR? Was a theme of the symposium which was hosted by the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Public Relations Management of the Vaal university of Technology on Friday, 04 October 2019.
The purpose of the event was to expose students (from first year to Btech) to the various career fields associated with PR and motivate them to understand their chosen careers better. The event was organised by third-year PR students Londiwe Dube, Fumane Nthoroane, Wendy Ntshakala, Hope Banda and Nkatiseng Masuhlo under the supervision of Ms Bongi Mokaeane: Lecturer and Ms Nontobeko Zondi: Communications Assistant.
The Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences: Dr Lazarus Maleho, opened and welcomed the students and guest speakers with a heart-warming message: “When I arrived here I was glad to see so many familiar faces in the venue, some I have seen on television! I must say I’m proud to see you here today as former students. We all came here today for one purpose, which is to look through the eyes of others, to find out and experience what the world is like for them. It is also the day we grow bigger than our differences. Many of you have made the effort to be with us here today, you’re going to merry and enjoy your time today. I know this because it is going to be a great symposium. On behalf of my colleagues and the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Public Relations, I wish you all the best and welcome,” he said.
The guest speakers included different PR Alumni students like the well-known musician Princess Nkuna “Indlovukazi” who spoke about her journey working in the PR environment; leaving her 9-5 job for music and the role of PR in the music industry. Ms Dee Miloa: Digital Communications Co-ordinator at Pan Macmillan SA also shared her wisdom; she encouraged the students to believe in their potential and “shoot their shots” where they see an opportunity. Other speakers were: Maseapehi Mofokeng: Assistant Director: Outreach Department of Tourism; Teboho Ntshabiseng: Officer- Visitors Centre- Eskom (Lethabo); Lebina Ditha: Junior Associate: Corporate & B2B, Webber Shandwick; Angie Maloka: Senior Manager Community Programmes (MTN); Maishibe Kekana: Events Management; Ehis Ebhonu: Sales &Marketing Manager at VUTFM and Presca Ngoato: Liaison Officer: Binational Initiatives at Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority.
The event was very vibrant and interactive, it had a question and answer sessions, competition sessions for the students and speakers and there were prizes (tablets, sports bags, stationery) to be won. Pro Monate was also there for entertainment.
Angie Maloka a senior manager of community programmes at MTN said the company is playing an instrumental role in driving the adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa and its approach is based on network investment, access to affordable smart devices, transformation of data pricing and the availability of relevant digital content.
“Technology can play an important role in the growth and sustainability of a society, fourth industrial revolution holds the potential to offer humanity some entirely new capabilities for people and machines “she said
She also added by saying while bridging, the technological divide will ensure that all people benefit.
“At MTN we played our part by investing in our network, and we will continue to create an enabling environment that bridge the digital divide and we will also like thank MTN subscribers for their support and in ensuring that MTN has the biggest market share in the region” Angie concluded.
Ms Mokaeane, who is also a WIL co-ordinator for Public Relations Management, closed the event and thanked the guests and students for attending: “I hope you were able to grasp vital information from our guests and that you will be able to use it for future purposes, I can’t thank you enough for your support.” She also thanked the event co-ordinators.
Everyone then indulged in lunch while enjoying the entertainment and networking after a successful event.