Mauritius launches new PR and communication association

The launch was attended by some 50 public relations and communication professionals who had previously held the new association's constitutive assembly and elected its executive committee. Victor Bongi Sibeko, president of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), was the keynote speaker at the function delivering a speech on corporate social responsibility - an opportunity on the nation building process.

During the Constitutive Assembly, Jacques Dinan, former president of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) and Member Emeritus of this prestigious body was unanimously acclaimed as honorary president of the new association as a tribute to his outstanding contribution to public relations nationally and internationally. The members also nominated Dr. Ajit Pathak, president of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) and Sibeko as honorary members of PRCPA Mauritius.

During his speech Jugnauth recalled the history of public relations as a profession globally and in Mauritius - he greeted the initiative to set up such an association which he had called for last August whilst attending the International PR Festival of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) held in Mauritius. Strong links have been developed over the years with several PR associations abroad, particularly with PRSI and PRISA. Recalling the essential role of PR in the early days of the country's independence Jugnauth stated, “The role played by public relations practitioners within the sugar industry in the 70s and 80s had very positive consequences and helped reduce the misunderstanding that then prevailed. A climate of trust was gradually established. At the beginning of the 21st century, public relations has further developed in Mauritius and its practice has been considerably diversified.”

Welcoming the guests and his colleagues, Jean Marie F Richard, the newly elected president of the association insisted on the necessity for public relations and communication professionals to regroup and that in so doing, “By joining hands and deciding to put out heads together,” Richard said, “We have resolutely embarked on an exciting journey whereas, this day indeed and tomorrow in deeds we will demonstrate our ability to positively contribute to mutual understanding in our society - mutual understanding and communication being by the way the two pillars of our noble profession.” Richard also insisted on the role the association will have to play in the field of representation, training, international relations and ethics as well as its contribution to projects regarding nation building and sustainable development.

PRISA's Sibeko, made a thought-provoking presentation during his keynote address on corporate social responsibility as an opportunity for public relations and communication practitioners in the nation building process.

“Gone are the days where we were only called in only to fix issues reactively. We now form part of the decision making and strategic planning process. We are in a position and thus have an obligation to 'claim our space' as public relations and communication professionals. Corporate social responsibility is one of the emerging sectors of our profession where we have to educate our corporates in-house and clients to adopt a more global inclusive approach,” stated the PRISA president.

Sibeko conveyed his best wishes of success to the new association and committed to support the association in namely its international networking.

Sarojini Jugnauth, the president's spouse, M. Vayid, president of the National Economic and Social Council, together with members of the Diplomatic Corps namely Ambassador Bruno Ranarivelo of Madagascar and High Commissioner Dumi Madumane Matabane, from South Africa also attended the launch of PRCPA Mauritius.

During his stay in Mauritius, Sibeko had a working session with the Minister of Youth and Sports Devanand Rittoo and officials of his ministry on the possible synergies between Mauritius and South Africa around the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A breakfast session was also held with the hoteliers from Naiade Resort Hotel Group wherein Sibeko shared his insight on how to leverage on major events such as the forthcoming World Cup Soccer event.