PRISA News & Events

PRISA News

September celebrated as World PR and Communications Month

The month of September is celebrated as the world PR and Communications Month. It is also significant in the annual calendar of South Africans celebrated as Heritage month. In a society clouded with so much social-economic challenges, we dare not loose hope. We continue to be inspired by those who do good.

Talk of brightening the corner where you are, earlier this month, PRISA in Conversation hosted the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) as special guests. The session was a dedication to communication on disability, providing a broad overview and create awareness.

Most of us are not at all aware of the sensitivities around communicating about disability (most are not aware that terms like “wheelchair bound”, “a disabled person”, “persons living with disabilities” and many more are or, depending on the context, could be regarded as insensitive and insulting to a person with a disability.)

“ We need people to understand the requirements regarding the legislation on disability and make people aware that disability comes in different forms, it can either be visible or invisible. You can’t assume that the disability needs are the same across the board. In order to make sure a person is reasonably accommodated, he or she should be engaged individually, “ said Danie Marais from NCDP.

In communications, phrases or terminology with negative connotations such as “handicapped”, “persons living with disability”, as well as adverts where people are impersonating persons with various disabilities, are often used, which persons with disability find derogatory. This is largely due to a lack of knowledge and awareness around the correct way to communicate matters about persons with disability.

The team also presented on the importance of Casual Day campaign and the need for every South African to embrace and contribute to its success. “We appreciate the partnership we have entered into with PRISA. Next year Casual Day we will be turning 30 years old and we will make it bigger and better and raise more funds. We believe with your involvement and contribution we can do more,” said Goodluck Ngobeni, Senior Manager: Business Development & Sales of NCPD.

Oscar Tshifure announced as PRISA President-Elect

Razor PR’s Head of Public Affairs, Oscar Tshifure has been appointed President-Elect of the Public Relations Institute of South Africa (PRISA).

With over 16 years of experience, Tshifure is well place to lead the industry body and its communities towards a future where public relations and strategic communications hold a prominent position in business and society.

“As an agency we are committed to playing our part in actively bettering our whole industry. We deeply believe that it is an approach that lifts the bar for our people, our clients and our peers around the country. I am excited that this new role places me in a unique position to be driving this first hand,” says Tshifure.

In his work Tshifure aspires to bridge the gap between business and the needs of society. By ensuring that strategic communications receives the recognition it deserves, he plans to create an impact for future generations.

“Organisations cannot lead without strategic direction, and that is what we, as practitioners, bring to the industry. We need to get it right, aligning the world of work with societal needs, in order to represent our industry well and create a lasting impact,” he says.

Over his career, Tshifure has collaborated with prestigious clients, including the Presidency of South Africa, the National Department of Health, and BRICS Business Council SA Chapter, among others. Currently, he serves as the Business Director and Head of Public Affairs at Razor PR, leading a team that specialises in stakeholder strategy engagement, regulatory strategy and engagement, crisis management, political counsel, advisory services for the C-Suite, and ESG policy and advocacy support programmes.

“Oscar is a leader of distinction and a strong voice of African communicators. We are deeply proud of his appointment to lead fundamental change at an industry level,” said Dustin Chick, Partner and Managing Director at Razor PR.

Tshifure’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond his professional pursuits. He holds directorship positions at various organisations, including the South African Reading Foundation (Read A Book SA), the Sifiso Falala Foundation, and Sovereign Africa Rating. Additionally, he serves as the Director

of the Pan Africa Media Research Organisation, generating actionable knowledge about African people’s behaviours regarding media, lifestyles, and product usage.

Recognised for his expertise and industry insights, Tshifure serves as a member of the Academic Advisory Committee for the Department of Integrated Communication at Tshwane University of Technology. He is also a guest lecturer at the Department of Marketing at the University of Johannesburg. In 2022, he was appointed as a Judge for the PRISM Awards by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa and elected as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Pan African Media Research Organization.

Continuously striving for professional growth, Tshifure is currently pursuing his Masters of Business Administration through Henley Business School, further enhancing his strategic and managerial skills.

Dear Valued PRISA Member

Come and Celebrate with Us “Women in PR & Communications” Brunch

Under the theme Express, Enhance and Empower, PRISA is excited to host its second annual ‘Celebrating Women in PR & Communications’ event on Thursday 31 August at Holiday Inn, Rosebank. Do not miss out the exciting opportunity to engage with excellent panel guest speakers. Tickets are priced at R400 per person.

Refer to the attached invite for further details and be inspired to take action, and reserve your seat today by emailing Lindiwe Majola at lindiwe@prisa.co.za

This will be an exciting time of celebration and festivities as we celebrate WOMAN.

Seats are limited, so get your tickets soon!

Kind Regards

PRISA Management

May 9, 2023