The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) board officially recognises PRISA as a professional body for public relations. It is globally recognised as the Southern Africa regional representative following the election of PRISA executive director, Adele Paulsen, to the Board of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA).
The convenor and regional chairperson, Naledzani Rasila, CPRP, who is also senior manager: corporate branding & marketing at the provincial communication services in Limpopo, outlined the region's 2014 plans, including growing membership in Limpopo, organising at least two networking sessions and arranging its AGM, planned for 24 April 2014 at the University of Venda.
The region will also contribute towards skills development through strategic partnerships with the universities of Limpopo, Venda and South Africa and the establishment of a regional student chapter supported through mentoring programmes. The Limpopo region is statistically known for educating a large number of students in public relations and communication management. It is therefore exciting that this province is now organised under the PRISA banner with over 40 current registered members.
November also saw Adele Paulsen attending a 'Meet and Greet Session' with the public relations, communications and marketing communications practitioners from various sectors in Botswana.
The objective of the event was to introduce the PRISA Chapter in Botswana and select a steering committee to kick-start the establishment processes. Regional chairperson, Faith Rapuleng-Tuelo, CPRP, who is head of marketing communications at the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), currently leads the committee.
While the chapter is waiting for establishment processes to be completed, it has used all forms of media to create maximum awareness and educate other practitioners around Botswana about its existence and why the need for its establishment using social media in Botswana. A meeting for members will be taking place shortly to review the Botswana Tertiary Education Fair Road Show 2014.
The current members include Keoagile Rafifing, Tiro Kganela, Mercy Thebe, Grace Henguva, Tebogo Matebesi, Maduo Tshoswane, Leungo Motlhasedi, Itumeleng Teseletso and Ditapole Chibua-Tsheboeng.
