Xabiso Matshikiza

As a Marketing Communications (MarComm) professional, I have proven success in leading corporate marketing/PR and internal communications for companies across diverse industries. I have proven experience in being a leader of creative teams, PR divisions and corporate communications departments. I conceptualise, develop and execute marketing campaigns that build memorable brands.

I have developed, managed, improved and executed strategic communications initiatives and programmes (internally and externally) for various brands and projects, provided comprehensive communications support to several business units/partners and their respective projects and functional heads. In addition, I have extensive experience in media relations, corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, social media and events management. My experience within the advertising industry has also enabled me to form strong working relationships and the ability to develop effective integrated campaigns from brief to final execution. Furthermore, having been exposed to diverse industries such as retail, motor, hospitality/tourism, financial services and the public sector, this provides me with the ability to employ innovative and creative perspectives within an organisation for the implementation of strategies and operational plans. 

I’m currently enrolled with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) as a Master of Business Administration candidate. In addition to this, I have a very strong work ethic that enables me to drive and meet my targets.  I am a highly motivated self-starter and dynamic individual. I have an excellent ability to think globally and possess excellent project management skills and have successfully promoted a culture of inclusivity and diversity empowering the teams that I have managed in order to promote better team performance. My primary goal is to consistently make a positive contribution and integrate this into everyday work culture to help an organisation achieve its business objectives. 

I enjoy networking and possess good interpersonal, verbal and presentation skills, am able to interface at all levels and have a flair for success. A notable highlight in my current position is my role as a close collaborator with Board and senior leadership to direct the entity’s communications goals with intense focus on sustained collaboration with stakeholders to encourage participation of SMME’s into skills development programmes, bolstering rural outreach initiatives, positioning 4IR related skills programmes in the market and other key strategic sector priorities. My good written communication skills have allowed me to produce effective communications strategies, articles, press material, and media statements with exposure to broadcast media interviews, as well as develop effective content strategies based on an organisations needs, marketplace trends, target audience insights and brand position.  I am organised with effective planning, decision making and budgeting skills and am able to perform under pressure with a results driven orientation.

Successfully implemented and optimised supplier and service provider management resulting in increased efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced collaboration within the organisation

Employment Summary

INSTITUTION            : Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria

YEAR                           : Current

COURSE                      : Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

INSTITUTION            : Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)

YEAR                           : 2022

COURSE                     : Post Graduate Diploma in General Management 

INSTITUTION          : Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)

YEAR                           : 2020

COURSE                     : Programme for Management Development 

INSTITUTION            : Rhodes University, Sol Plaatjie Institute for Media Leadership

YEAR                           : 2017

COURSE COMPLETED       : Essentials of Digital Media Management

INSTITUTION                            : Witwatersrand University

YEAR                                          : 2016

COURSE COMPLETED           : Finance for Non-Financial Managers

INSTITUTION                        : Digital Business Academy

YEAR                                       : 2013

COURSE COMPLETED         : Social Media and Marketing Course

INSTITUTION                    : University of Johannesburg

YEAR                                   : 2011                                                                

COURSE COMPLETED     : Degree in B.A. Marketing Communications     

INSTITUTION                         : Global Prospectus

YEAR                                       : 2008                                                                

COURSE COMPLETED          : Certificate in Public Relations, Communication and Branding

INSTITUTION                       : IMM Graduate School of Marketing

YEAR                                       : 2007                                                                

COURSE COMPLETED          : Certificate in Business Writing Skills