Hello,

My name is Clive Lotter. I'm a surprisingly fit, trying-not-to-be-fat 55-year old South African male of uncertain lineage, and I am a professional writer and editor. Me, I gym and walk the dogs early in the mornings (the penance of middle age) and in the evenings savour a glass of fine wine with my wife. But otherwise I write, edit and structure writing-related projects.

Although at life-stages I have been a soldier, an airline steward, a labour/political activist and a restaurant owner/manager, I have always written in various capacities. I became a freelance commercial writer in May 1996, and regret not making the move years earlier. I intend writing until I meet the Final Deadline - hopefully a little late.

King 3 integrated reports and GRI alignment

I structure and write/edit annual reports, corporate brochures and similar for JSE-listed, public sector and leading South African organisations.My clients include, among others, ArcelorMittal, Adcock Ingram, Mustek, SAICA and Omnia.

Public sector companies I have worked for include Eskom, SARS, Rand Water, ACSA (Airports Company), Productivity SA, Mogale City, ATNS (Air Traffic) and SITA.

Business bids, tenders and proposals

I structure these to brief or in response to tenders and RFPs (Request for Proposals). The changing face of African business has triggered increasing demand for this form of expertise - while precious few writers presently operate in this niche.

Between 1997 and 2006 I wrote and edited the license bids for almost all Sun International's current casinos, and in 2010 consulted on a major fleet management tender for FleetAfrica.

Since 2008 I've prepared a series of business proposals from a USA billionaire philanthropist and an African corporate services group to the government of Tanzania.

Industry activism

The business of media is evolving rapidly and media practitioners are continually under pressure to redefine and protect ourselves within its changing parameters. I get involved rather than sitting back and hoping for the best. In April 2011, I completed a two-year term as chairman of Safrea (Southern African Freelancers' Association) and currently am the convenor of its Oversight Committee.