the SCIENCE of COMMUNICATION

Fundraising... Fundraising... Fundraising...

2010-08-13T07:21:00.000+02:00

And so it all resumes - the much loved task of Public Relations students the world over - Fundraising! Fundraising really does seperate the students from the budding professionals. Succeeding at Fundraising is tough skill to master and takes much hard work, perseverance, a "never say-die attitude", charm, wit, energy and a whole lot of business savvy... Networks and connections are not given to you - you must make your own regardless of your background - "If you want to meet or contact someone - "Just do it..." To everyone - Make it Happen!

So far, we have a hosted a Boerewors Sale on campus - a successful one at that. Last Saturday, 7 August, we hosted a Movie-themed fundraiser. Students viewed films and sold confectionary items to moviegoers...

1. Friday the 13th @ LB's Lounge at Joburg Bar - 218 Long Street

2. Dance Therapy at FTV Cape Town

Open Day 2010: PR1 Stole the Show - as always....

2010-05-17T13:10:00.000+02:00

Thank You Sunglass Hut: Loyal Sponsors as Always...

Oh Yes - PR 1 Won Open Day's Best Stall Award Again... (That's 4 years and counting...)

PR Part Time: Guest Lecture with Gideon Mumeson Tebid

2010-04-21T14:14:00.000+02:00

On Monday, 19 April, the PR 1 Part Time group were treated to a Guest Lecture on Crisis Communication from the Journalistic trajectory. They were addressed by Gideon Mumeson Tebid, a Journalism Lecturer from TUT in Gauteng.

Gideon also runs a blog (www.thevarctut.blogspot.com) and a Facebook Group (VARC-TUT) focussing on reading African Books by African Authors regarding African Issues. Students are invited to visit and join. Please also make your comments regarding the Guest Lecture on webct.

PR1: Clash of the Titans 3D Field Trip

2010-04-21T13:52:00.001+02:00

16th Rwandan Genocide Commemoration

2010-04-12T16:46:00.002+02:00

The 7th April has been declared, by the United Nations, as a day of reflection of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. This year’s commemoration was another opportunity to reflect and say “NEVER AGAIN” This event, was organised by the Rwandan Community living in Cape Town and the Association of Rwandese Students in South Africa (ARSSA), the Rwandan High Commission in South Africa, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, and Ayesha Toyer from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

In 1994, the Rwandan Genocide, led to over a million men, women and children being massacred in 100 days. This tragedy left a generation of survivors who have been traumatised by their experiences and have had to cope with the overwhelming consequences of the loss of their relatives and countrymen and women, poverty, rape-induced HIV infection and other harsh realities.

The programme included a keynote address by the Rwandan High Commissioner, Mr. H.E. Ignatius K. Kamali and an inspiring talk by Marlene Silbert, the Director of Education at the Cape Town Holocaust Centre. The event welcomed academics, students and the Rwandan community living in Cape Town. Survivor Testimonies were read and shared, as well a candle lighting vigil followed by a moving documentary and film examing the Rwandan Genocide. This event was a moving remembrance of survival and the strength of the human spirit in the face of man's inhumanity to man.

From Left: Organiser: Ernest; MC: Beatrice and the High Commissoner: Mr. Kamali

The High Commissioner (Mr. Kamali) with Marlene Silbert (Cape Town Holocaust Centre)

My Poem

2010-04-12T16:28:00.001+02:00

We must remember...

We must remember the raging city

we must remember the raging villages

we must remember the raging hills

and the raging valleys

we must remember teh raging fires

and the raging pain

We must remember the blood of

man,

woman,

and child

We must remember the tears

and the cries

We must remember....

we must remember to remember

Never Again

Never Again...

This poem was written to commemorate and remember the hundreds of thousands of victims and survivors of the April 1994 Genocide in Rwanda that lasted for 100 days... Through remembering, we must ensure that this Never Happens Again... Never Again...

11th Cape Town International Jazz Festival

2010-04-04T23:02:00.000+02:00

This year marks the 11th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The festival runs for two days, and has made its home the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This year has seem some changes because the festival has fallen on Easter Weekend. Instead of the usual Friday and Saturday festival days, 2010 sees the festival taking place on Saturday and Sunday. The lineup this year has focused on classical and authentic jazz as opposed to a fusion of jazz inspired artists seen in past years.

Working at the festival has provided me with the opportunity to meet the most interesting mix of people, these include the legend George Benson, Lira, Judith Sephuma, Jonathan Butler, the Iridium Project, TKZee, Bilal, Melanie Scholtz, Jason Moran, Toots Thielemans, Rachelle Ferrell, Ronny Jordan, Vusi Mahlasela, the Editor of Glamour Magazine and E News anchor, Andrew Barnes, and the list goes on and on and on....

Let me get back to the festival and provide you with some more feedback a little bit later....

Marlene Silbert Makes a Difference Everyday...

2010-03-08T11:59:00.000+02:00

MARLENE SILBERT

Education Director Cape Town Holocaust Centre

VISION OF THE CAPE TOWN HOLOCAUST CENTRE:
The Cape Town Holocaust Centre is dedicated to creating a more caring and just society in which human rights are valued and diversity is respected.

MISSION:

The Cape Town Holocaust Centre

•Serves as a memorial l to the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust and all victims of Nazism

•Teaches about the consequences of prejudice, racism, discrimination, and human rights violations

•Examines the roles and responsibilities of individuals, groups and nations, and the consequences of the choices they make

•Promotes and understanding of the dangers of silence, apathy and indifference

•Stresses the importance of respecting the dignity of all people and valuing diversity in a pluralistic society.

Education programmes, workshops and seminars are conducted daily at the Holocaust Centre for senior high school pupils, university and college students, members of the civil service and a wide variety of groups from civil society.

BRIEF CURRICULUM VITAE.

•Studied at the University of Cape Town . Head Woman Student of the University

•Practiced as a Speech Therapist

•Actively engaged in anti-apartheid activities

•Founder and Director of the Religious Instruction Department that organized the teaching of religious instruction for Jewish children in state schools

•Taught at Herzlia Senior High school (Subjects: History, Geography, English Literature and Modern Jewish history, and the Holocaust)

•Deputy Principal Herzlia High School (1992 – 1996)

PUBLICATIONS:

•20 th Century Jewish History ( text book for Grade 12) (1997)

•Holocaust Teacher's Manual (1999)

•Chapter in ‘Working to Make a Difference: The personal and pedagogical stories of Holocaust educators across the globe. Edited by Professor Samuel Totten, University of Arkansas (2003)

•THE HOLOCAUST: Lessons for Humanity . Teacher's Guide, Student Interactive Workbook and poster series (2004)

•THE HOLOCAUST: Lessons for Humanity (documentary video) written and narrated by Marlene Silbert

Alice in Wonderland: 3D

2010-03-04T19:54:00.005+02:00

ALICE IN WONDERFUL is well, WONDERFUL

I had the privilege of attending a private screening, in 3D of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderful on Wednesday evening at Cavendish Square. Guests were expected to wear a hat as crazy as one could find to tie in with the Mad Hatter concept of the popular story. Guests were treated to a Red Carpet event with fine dining and even finer company. The event was attended by the CEO of Ster Kinekor and representatives of AFDA. SterKinekor commissioned AFDA and Velocity Studios to produce a number of PSA's (Public Service Announcements/Advertisements) focussing on their CSR iniative. Their iniative focuses on providing visually impaired children with glasses. The brief given to AFDA students was to produce an ad in line with this plight - the plight of visually impaired children. The event thus celebrated the best four advertisements and dubbed as an award ceremony for the best ad. Guests were then treated to a surprise screening of Alice in Wonderland in 3D. The movie lives up to all the hype and will surely impress even the toughest critic. The wait until May will be well worth it - Do yourself a favour and see Alice falling down that infamous 'rabbit hole'...

PR2 visits the Cape Town Holocaust Centre

2010-02-23T11:24:00.003+02:00

DATE:

GROUP A: Wednesday, 24 February 2010

GROUP B: Thursday, 4 March 2010

TIME:

08h45 - 14h30

PLACE TO MEET:

The SA Jewish Museum

Hatfield Road, Cape Town (Plein Street becomes Hatfield after Parliament)

NOTE:

DO NOT BE LATE!!!

Bring a packed Lunch

PR1 Hits Design Indaba on Friday, 26 Feb 2010

2010-02-22T19:26:00.002+02:00

DESIGN INDABA EXPO

26 Feb 2010 - 28 Feb 2010

Design Indaba Expo is a 100% local-is-lekker celebration of South Africa’s ingrained creativity. Advertising, architecture, craft, décor, film, fashion, graphic design, interior design, jewellery, new media, publishing, product design and visual media, are all presented shoulder-to-shoulder.

Each of the over 260 exhibitors is evaluated and endorsed by an advisory panel of top South African designers, stylists, critics and industry experts. Setting a high curatorial standard, all products are original, contemporary and innovative, not to mention conceived and manufactured in South Africa.

The Design Indaba Expo 2010 is open to the public from Friday 26 February to Sunday 28 February 2010.

A chock-a-block daily programme of additional activities will fuel the buzz. All-day fashion shows, a short-film festival, a suave designer bar, tantalising designer food and daily Pecha Kucha presentations by leading local creatives are just some of the highlights to look forward to.

Opening and closing hours:

Friday 26 February 2010 from 10:00 – 20:00

Saturday 27 February 2010 from 10:00 – 20:00

Sunday 28 February 2010 from 10:00 – 18:00

Admission costs:

Students – R30
WE MEET: FRIDAY @10am SHARP!!! Let's meet at the side entrance (Close to the Herengracht Street traffic circle, infront of Emirates)
Copy Taken from: http://www.designindaba.com/expo

Hit thunda.com

2010-02-15T19:34:00.005+02:00

The Red Party managed to get a feature spot on Thunda.com's home page. Usually the best parties of the weekend are featured on the homepage, with a picture of the club's logo and two snapshots of the event. The Red Party was one of three features on the homepage. Well Done to Us!!!

Thank you to everyone involved. There are a few special individuals without whom the event would not have been a success. They include, the club manager Victor, PR students namely Fabrice, Frank, Alice, Kelly, Carla, Tshego, Danell, Farel, Jeffrey, Belvana, Jacques and Carmelia. Thank you especially to Rifqah and Ra'isa and all our sponsors who include Lindt, Afrox, Distell, Clicks, CPUT, Club 24, Fay's Decor, Rosy's Party Hire, Wedaad Adams & Sunglass Hut and Anina Black @ The Print Lab. Other assistants include Chiara, Roelien, Tariq, Bronwyn, Lauren, Lee-Anne, Amy, Candice and Kauthar.

Most importantly, thank you to YOU, to everyone who came to the event and supported us!!!

Please visit the website on this link: http://www.thunda.com/cgi/index.cgi

Promotional Event: Red Party Fundraising Event

2010-02-05T17:25:00.001+02:00

Hot New Cape Town Club

2010-02-03T16:15:00.001+02:00

Newly launched Cape Town club, Club 24 is fast becoming one of Cape Town's premium clubbing destinations. The club is aptly named Club 24 as it is located at 24 Bree Street in Cape Town's CBD.

For more information visit Club 24's page on www.thunda.com or alternatively join their Facebook group called Club 24.

See you there on Saturday, 13 February, for the CPUT Valentines Day Party at Club 24.

RED PARTY: PR Fundraising Valentines Day Function

2010-02-03T10:44:00.003+02:00

Date: Saturday, 13 February 2010

Starts at: 9pm

Venue: Club 24, 24 Bree Street, CBD Cape Town

Dress: Black or White with RED (Valentines Day)

Tickets: R30 Normal, R50 V.I.P. & R100 Platinum

Presold @ 073 905 7725 & available At the Door

Please support this fundraising initiative for the Faculty of Informatics & Design

It's Official: Daniel Schmidt is the Smartest Second Year PR Student 2010

2010-02-01T16:47:00.000+02:00

ITS OFFICIAL

Daniel Schmidt received the top score in a General Knowledge Quizz taken by all the second year PR students for 2010. The quizz was made up of 56 questions testing historic, current affairs, social issues and general points of interest. The questionnaire adminstered is one of the most popular and frequently taken general knowledge quizzes in the world. Daniel managed to score the top mark, beating the second place position by 6 points. Anita Sikutshwa received the top mark in her class group but Daniel scored the highest mark overall. Both did exceptionally well and should be proud of their current general knowledge. All PR students should focus on improving their general knowledge by reading, studying world history and staying up to date with current affairs.

However, well done and congratulations to Daniel Schmidt!!!

PR Trend 2010

2010-01-27T09:34:00.000+02:00

Public Relations is an industry that has had its fair share of 'doom and gloom'. The industry always seems to be the object of many controversies and dare I say, "bad publicity". With the new onslaught of social and interactive media this will surely change. Public Relations practitioners and managers are more knowledgeable and better trained to deal with the direct interaction inhibited by social and interactive medias.

The communication specialist should be an expert in communicating with stakeholders. What social and interactive medias offer is the chance to do that on a one to one basis. Examples of such portals and technology include websites like HelloPeter.com. Such sites however seem to focus on negative publicity and defaming various organisations. Simarly with benchmarking sites like DontFlySAA.com or Wal-MartSucks.com. These sites provide the stakeholder with the opportunity to be active and interact direclty with the organisation. Organisations should take back their right to control what is said about them. "What's stopping them from starting a blog called, SAARocks.com or OnlyWearAldo.com or DrinkingSABisBest.com for example." The old line about bad news sells resonates with us all but what does it say about an industry who gives up before trying. We need to bring the bang back to public relations and use some of the innovation we sell to our clients to improve our profession and our holistic reputation, image and identity.

Social Media could very well be the key to unlocking the force that is public relations. Let us be activists for our future, fighting for the development of the communications industry and all who build their careers therein.

Lets Welcome 2010 with a BANG!

2010-01-20T16:29:00.004+02:00

Welcome All to 2010,

This year has finally come around and now we are basking in all its glory and presumed greatness. This year holds much expectation and marks the passing of the first decade of the new millenium. One finds yourself feeling anxious and nervous, afraid of what to expect in 2010. The World Cup is first and foremost the most anticipated event this continent has come to look forward to. We are also 2 years away from our predicted extinction (according to the Mayans - do yourself a favour and see the blockbuster movie 2012).

On the generic side, people are starting their first day of school, a new job or starting their tertiary career at university for the first time. Its seems as though the angst, hype and anticipation of 2010 has put much pressure and anxiety on the general public. The mounting emotions are probably even more relevant to you, the freshman, the new First Year students. The same can also be said for the new second, third and fourth years respectively. I am here to say, "Relax and take it one day at a time. You are here for a reason, you have been selected from a group exceeding 800, and you were successful - you are the one who made it and you are the one with the honour of being a Public Relations Management student." Therefore be proud of yourself and comfort yourself with the knowledge that you will cope because people who are more knowledgeable and more experienced than you, thought you could do it and thus placed their faith in you.

Therefore, Good Luck to you and know that I am here for you, lets have a Great Year and use this Blog to show the world how amazingly fabulous Public Relations truely is. Bring on 2010!!!

2009-11-29T18:31:00.006+02:00

"a girl should be

two things,

classy

and fabulous"

[Coco Chanel]

"the only way to

predict the future

is,

to create it..."

[Peter Drucker]

Glitz and Glam at Seasons-MB

2009-11-26T14:07:00.004+02:00

Ayesha and Jacques

Let's Dance...

Bongi and Lorenzo: So Stylin'

Welisa and Thulisa: Looking Smashing!

You are Invited! Please Support Part Time 2009

2009-11-16T16:40:00.006+02:00

PR Part-Time presents Glitz and Glam at Seasons Music Boutique, a Night of Fashion, Delicious Cocktails and Catering and an After-Party of Stylish Fun

The Night will start with a Glamorous and Glitzy Fashion Show, followed by a VIP Cocktail Party, which will offer delicious eats and sinfully tasteful cocktails prepared by the Seasons Music Boutique Bar. The Night will end off with a wild and wonderful After-Party!
Theme: Glitz and Glam

Cover-Charge: R50 - See you there:)

Diamonds and Pearls Glamour

2009-11-16T16:02:00.009+02:00

Students enjoy themselves in Glamorous 1920s Style

The Dancing Queens and Kings of 1920s

Chiara, Ayesha and Antoinette

Antoinette fully embraces Diamonds & Pearls Glamour

ROELIEN ZWART: STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2009

2009-11-16T14:38:00.005+02:00

ROELIEN ZWART

Well Done to Roelien Zwart!!!

On Saturday, 14 November 2009, at the First Year Gala Awards Dinner, at the President Protea Hotel in Bantry Bay, Roelien 'cleaned out' at the Awards Ceremony.

Roelien has excelled not only academically but in all spheres of this course and programme. She excelled and worked exceptionally hard at Open Day, working as the Deputy Group Leader for the Graphic Design stall. She secured thousands of rands in sponsorship and was one of the hardest workers overall. She inspired her group and made both the HOD of the department and the faculty holistically, very very proud! Thereafter, she performed well in all her subjects and was one of only two students to acheive 7 Distinctions in the first semester. She achieved a distinction for each and every subject. She was also a finalist in the magazine cover and advertisement competition at the Media Conference. Her speech at this year's Speech Competition was ranked as one of the Top 20 speeches for 2009. Finally, Roelien has performed exceptionally well, and worked tirelessly on the First Year Gala Awards Dinner, as the Deputy Group Leader for Sponsorship. She supported not only her group leader but the project manager as well. She also attended each and every fundraising function this year, thus showing how truly balanced her capacity within this course is. What makes Roelien such an all-rounder is the fact that she will never say NO, it does not exist in her vocabluary, she pushes herself both socially as well as academically and is the type of person who will always lend a hand in support. Her work ethic is most impressive is one of the most hard working students I have across - ever!

Roelien Won:

Top Student in Accounting
Top Student in Business Studies
Top Student in Media Studies
Top Student in Communication Science
Top Student in Public Relations Management
Overall Achiever - Student of the Year 2009

ROELIEN ZWART

Overall Overachiever - Student of the Year 2009

Communicating Well at an Interview

2009-11-12T08:22:00.004+02:00

An interview is a formal meeting between a job seeker and an employer. The employer will ask questions to determine whether the job seeker is an appropriate fit for the job and for the company. The job seeker will ask the employer questions to obtain enough information about the job to decide if the job and the company is the right fit.

When interviewing, remember to consider not only your verbal communication mannerisms but the non-verbal counterparts that are often much more important! Many of you will be interviewing for part time employment, but these are skills you should master now and allow them to stand you in good stead for the rest of your professional career. Bear in mind that when you interview, you are selling yourself and need to pitch yourself at the level of the employer and the organisation you are applying to work at. You must be context specific, there is no point being a brilliant typist if you are applying to be a sales rep or merchandiser - so remember to be relative!

Always dress to impress
Arrive early
Do research on the company
Introduce yourself and ensure you are able to communicate with everyone on the panel, you position yourself so you can deliver your best possible self

Cape Town is READY for 2010

2009-11-10T13:18:00.002+02:00

Being Intelligent is More than the Grade you Receive

2009-11-10T09:30:00.001+02:00

Knowledge literally is Power... and Profit!

2009-11-02T14:55:00.008+02:00

“In a knowledge economy, management’s strategic role is to facilitate joint problem solving among corporate stakeholders. In short, stakeholder collaboration is now the key to creating wealth,” Halal (2000).

“In the information age, wealth is a function of information, vision, and properties of the mind. Unlike capital, knowledge can’t be used up. The more of it you dispense, the more you generate,” Ray Smith.

Corporate Communication is Strategic...

2009-11-02T14:45:00.002+02:00

“Corporate communication is the strategic management process by which an organisation communicates with its various audiences to the mutual benefits of both and to its improved competitive advantage,” Dolphin & Fan (2000). With the above definition, it would be reasonable to draw the conclusion that public relations management, in my opinion, and that of many other academics and industry leaders, is indeed a strategic management function and hence, worthy of a position on strategic level in decision making and strategy formulation forums and bodies.

Practitioners moreover, facilitate a strategic role on a daily basis as they are responsible for creating and implementing the organisation’s corporate communication strategy and plan. This programme aligns all the organisation’s communication efforts with all its various stakeholder groups both inside and outside the organisation. Without this programme the organisation will be unable to satisfy the needs and wants of its diverse public. One should furthermore acknowledge that an organisation could easily be forced to close if it is unable to satisfy the needs and wants of its stakeholders. Knowledge is power in all instances, especially when your business is that of providing a product or service to large and diverse groups. It is for this reason that corporate communication is the strategic backbone of the organisation, and thus, if not managed effectively, has the power to determine the success or failure of an organisation. Corporate communication furthermore plays a pivotal part in the formulation of strategic policy and decision making within the organisation.

Public relations management is indeed a top management and strategic function because for one, the discipline is responsible for establishing and managing the organisation’s corporate image, identify and reputation. Both, corporate reputation and image/identity are strategic in nature and require meticulous management in order to benefit the organisation and contribute to the bottom line. Reputation management and public relations furthermore consists of different and separate activities and more often that not serves different objectives and goals. Public relations managers are indeed suitable for the role of managing reputations as the discipline operates according to the principles of strategic management.

Organisations have seen the value a good reputation provides when an organisation is faced with an unforeseen crisis. When an organisation is viewed favourably by the public, many things can be forgiven and understood during times of crisis. Organisations with good reputations have also been cited as being more profitable than those organisations that do not necessarily have a good corporate reputation. According to Cooper (1999), 8% - 15% of an organisation’s share price can be attributed to corporate reputation. Cooper goes on to say this phenomenon exists because an organisation with a good corporate reputation is able to attract customers, investors and excellent employees. Due to the strategic nature of public relations, it is the ideal discipline to manage corporate reputation. Public relations managers are able to acknowledge its value and hence allow the organisation to enjoy the advantages thereof. PR practitioners are in possession of the insight and strategic thought to manage corporate reputations.

What's in a Name? Let's Talk About It!!!

2009-10-27T07:59:00.010+02:00

Defined by my Name!

Don't you think we should be judged by who we are as opposed to how we are classified?

So much weight is put into a name or classification that it defines us long before we meet one another. Why are we expected to classify ourselves by our race or cultural creed, this allows an unknown person to judge us and determine who and what we are before they've met us. Our name also says much about who we are with regard to religion, culture and race. Your name defines you before you can do that yourself.

On a personal note, I battle with this on a daily basis. Being a citizen of the rainbow nation in its most literal meaning, I struggle with judgement and prejudice daily. I am multi-racial and have parents from two different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds is... let's just say: Interesting! My mother is White, and Christian with an Afrikaans father. My father however is Coloured and Muslim with an Indian father. So try to imagine that - white, coloured, indian, afrikaans, muslim and christian - all in one person! Talk about complicated?

When I meet people and introduce myself, they assume I am Muslim with a name like Ayesha. They then proceed to ask me all sorts of questions in that regard and discuss holidays and issues that I am not aware of. When I forced to say, "I apologise, but I am not Muslim," they look at me with disgust, as if I am insulting the entire faith, as if I have distanced myself from it or am insulted to be associated by it. The reality is anything but. As an individual, we have the right to choose a faith of our choosing, I have chosen Christianity and should not be judged because of it. After being judged, I am then flooded with 1000 questions regarding, why? how? when? etc... Strangers assume that they can ask me personal questions because they find "me" interesting - what is the logic in that?

More interesting though is what do you fill in on a form when they ask for your race? I usually put nothing and when I am forced I say, "African". We are all Africans, arn't we? We all live in Africa and thus are Africans. This sentiment was mimiced by Daniel's speech yesterday, in which he campaigned for a unified Africa - in which we all live together and share the resources of this wonderful continent. I agree! Why don't we move away from all these names and classifications and judement. It starts (like most things) with talking - we should become desensitized to talking about race and culture, if we don't nothing will ever change because how can we change things we are not able to speak about?

Fundraiser: 31 October (Part Time & Group A)

2009-10-27T07:44:00.004+02:00

Another Group B Fundraising Party!

2009-10-24T09:33:00.002+02:00

FUNDRAISING PARTY: Saturday, 31 October

2009-10-21T18:00:00.007+02:00

Event Poster

The Ladies in Black looking Ultra Glam!

More Bling Bling Bling

Sixolile Blinging it Out...

Belvana and Ayesha: Taking Black and Bling Literally

WOW - Bring on 2010!

2009-10-21T12:21:00.000+02:00

Shocking Horrible Disgusting Unforgiveable

2009-10-21T11:51:00.006+02:00

PORTOFINO RESTAURANT ATTACKS CUSTOMER

Portofino Restaurant opened one month ago in Cape Town. It's where The Showroom used to be, next to Bloomsbury Luxury Cars and Harbour Edge. Cape Town restaurants are seen closing down left, right and centre; which is why restaurants should now, more than ever try to impress! Not Portofino restaurant, it seems.

These emails are published chronologically, from start to finish. So, basically, you can read each one in order from TOP to BOTTOM.

Customer's name has been altered since original publication.

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 16:22
Subject: Website Contact, Have a Good Day,

We are looking to make a booking for four people, tomorrow at 17:00 for an early business dinner, would this be possible?
Thank you,
AF
__________________________________
From: info@portofinoct.co.za
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Monday, 5 Oct 2009 18:00
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,
That's fine. See you tomorrow.
Regards
Cormac
____________________________
From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2009 08:49
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi Cormac,
Apologies, the dinner is only for Wednesday evening is this a problem? If not, please put us down for 17:00 on Wednesday.
Also, will the full menu be available at 5 PM?
Kind Regards,
AF
_______________________________
From: info@portofinoct.co.za
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Wednesday, 7 Oct 2009 19:54
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,
On behalf of all of our staff who came in early to make and serve your food (we normally open at 6.30 I would like to thank you for messing their day up and more seriously disrupting my afternoon nap.
Please do us all a favour and donate ever book a table at my restaurant again.
Regards
Cormac
_______________________________

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 08:38
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi Cormac,
Before I respond to this email properly, I wanted to make sure that you had been informed of my cancellation, that I had phoned in at 4 PM yesterday? We had a last-minute schedule change on behalf of the business associates travelling down from Johannesburg that I called in as soon as I knew about. The tone of your email, and it's commentary, indicates that perhaps you had not been informed of this telephonic cancellation.
AF
__________________________________
From: info@portofinoct.co.za
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Thursday, 8 Oct 2009 10:16
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,
I had indeed been informed that you had canceled the table an hour before your booking time.
Tone remains the same.
Regards
Cormac
__________________________________

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 10:57
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Cormac,
In response to your email, I'd like to first state that in no way was I aware that any special measures had been taken by the restaurant on behalf of our party of four, this was never indicated to me in the reservation emails, nor are your opening hours indicated on your website. Had I known that the chef and staff were going to come in specifically for our party, and that the restaurant only opened at 6:30 PM, I would have confirmed the booking, as our plans were open to change (as they did), and changing plans would have disrupted the restaurant. It was never my intention to inconvenience anybody at the restaurant. We were, in fact, working with government representatives and looking to show them a great new restaurant, but unfortunately due to schedule changes from their side, had to cancel our booking. Unfortunately, this happens when working with out-of-town guests.
Your efforts to open the restaurant early on our behalf are certainly noted, and appreciated. However, your response to our unfortunate cancellation is very upsetting. Had we known the lengths the restaurant had gone to in order to accommodate us, your frustrations would have been more understandable. Instead, we were operating under the understanding that the restaurant was open for normal business for the time in which we made our booking, which is why I cancelled the reservation. When I saw your email come through, I had thought that it was no doubt an email to say, Sorry you couldn't make it, but we hope to see you soon, or something along those lines. Instead, what I found was a personal attack on myself, and my integrity. This is out-of-line. I had looked forward to trying out your restaurant, as I enjoy supporting new establishments in Cape Town, and your menu looked particularly intriguing. In light of your email, however, I will not be going to your restaurant, and will be actively discouraging others from visiting your restaurant as well.
Moreover as one of the dinner guests for last night's booking, the CEO of XYZ (altered) Fund Managers, Mr. JS (altered), has seen the correspondence between us, and will be following up in due course with his own thoughts on the matter.
Frustrations with restaurant patrons who are unreasonably demanding and inflexible are understandable; anger and hostility towards potential clientele over a reservation cancellation is simply unacceptable, as is your tone and sarcasm that have been used freely in your correspondence. Personal integrity is something that should always be maintained, both professionally and socially. Your correspondence to me lacks integrity altogether.
It's a shame that you have taken a good restaurant concept and menu, and clouded it behind a wall of arrogant customer service where the restaurant patron is viewed as a nuisance, as an unwanted visitor.
Regards,
AF
__________________________________
From: >info@portofinoct.co.za
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Thursday, 8 Oct 2009 11:22
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Dear AF,
I am a little bit puzzled by your remarks that I will not be going to your restaurant, and will be actively discouraging others from visiting your restaurant as well as I would have thought that my email was quite clear when I asked you not to book a table at my restaurant, obviously not so I will try again, Please do not book a table at my restaurant again.
I will try and contain my excitement and await the contribution from the CEO of XYZ Fund Managers, Mr. JS upon receipt I will pin it up in the bathrooms for customers purusal while they relieve themselves.
Regards
Cormac
__________________________________

You can close your mouth now.
See the full story, with comments on (www.2oceansvibe.com): What do you think?

What has PR1 and Com.Science 1 Meant to Me?

2009-10-20T08:20:00.005+02:00

Audit Yourself...

What have I done in my two major subjects:

I have successfully participated in an Open Day exhibition, in which I actively recruited scholars over three days and spoke with over 10 000 different people
I have activitely been involved in sponsorship and fundraising
I have learnt how to network and speak to people in my industry
I am able to deliver a formal public speech infront of an audience in excess of 100 individuals
I have been given the opportunity to compete for the title of "Best Public Speaker"
I learnt how to work in a team
I have learnt how to create portfolios in which I can market myself
I am able to arrange events, exhibitions, functions, campaigns and actively apply myself within the domain of public relations
I've been exposed to many areas of public relations which include design, sponsorship, fundraising, production, decor, audio-visual management, leadership, management, group dynamics, writing, publicity, sales, marketing, etc...
I have gone on interesting field trips with my classmates
I have learnt new things about people I have never been exposed to before
I've designed my own magazine cover and advertisement, in which I tested my ability to design a visual message
I've created my own radio advertisement, inside a professional recording studio
I have created my own Weblog and can classify myself as a Blogger
I was given the opportunity to attend an official movie premiere

... What have I left out guys? ...

PR take over Market Day

2009-10-19T19:31:00.002+02:00

HAVE A LOOK AT THE SLIDESHOW at the END of this BLOG

PR takes First Prize Again...

2009-10-19T16:11:00.006+02:00

MARKET DAY

Public Relations students took part in this year's Market Day event, held at Cape Town campus on Monday, 19 October 2009 between 09h00-14h00. PR's Group A's stall, "The Rainbow Nation" took first prize. Group A won R500 as they were awarded Best Stall Award. Seen in the above video clip, they celebrate after hearing the news by singing the National Anthem!

Group A hosted a stall titled, "The Rainbow Nation", in which they celebrated everything South African. This included Boerewors Rolls, Samoosa's, Koeksisters, Traditional Fudge, and Cupcakes to name a few. Their patriotism extended to include a Cake in the form of the South African flag which they raffled off. Group B hosted an international food fair. Spain offered a Spanish Hand Massage, Spanish Paella and similar eats. France focused entirely on confectionary items as they offered delicous cakes and sweet delights. Finally, the USA offered the famous Obama Burger which proved most popular with student patrons. Lastly, Group C hosted a somewhat energised stall where they offered a Mechanical-Bull-Ride at R2 and sold Virgin Energy Shots for those who needed a pick-me-up.

Group A Fundraising Party at Ragazzi on Long

2009-10-19T16:07:00.000+02:00

Group A: Fundraising Party

2009-10-15T14:29:00.003+02:00

GROUP A FUNDRAISING PARTY

Group A will be hosting a Fundraising Party at Ragazzi, on the corner of Long and Strand Street in Cape Town CBD tomorrow evening (Friday, 16 October). The party has been organised to faised funds for the First Year Gala Awards Dinner currently being organised by the Group A, PR1 class. Please attend and support the event all first year's.

This is to raise funds for your function.

For more inforamtion please contact Evan Gilbert on 0738011100.

Why I do Event Management in PR?

2009-10-14T18:14:00.008+02:00

Event Management is by far one of the most important skills and areas of proficiency within the discipline of Public Relations Management. Truth be told, it is one of those things everyone, in every career is involved with at any given time.

Public Relations Management is based on fulfilling 3 different roles, the role of the technician which expects that you do the work. The work referred to includes event management, promotions, writing of press and media releases, administration, media liaison and basic campaign implementation. Once you have mastered this level, you then progress to the level of management. A manager would typically be involved in media management, media placement strategies, issues management, stakeholder relations and training for example. The highest level is reserved for strategists. A PR strategist would be responsible for managing the visual identity, stakeholder management, reputation management, corporate governance management and investor relations.

Thus, all students within the domain of public relations must be able to effectively plan and implement events and similar dispositions which include fundraising, promotions and exhibtions; to name a few. If you think PR does not involved events or that they do not go hand in hand, then you are wrong! We all start at entry level and begin our careers at the bottom of the pyramid and slowly but surely work our way up that pyramid. As we climb the pyramid, our skills develop and our roles change. You start by actually doing the event, then you progress to managing others who do the event and finally you end up at the level where you create the idea of the event. Event management is thus an integral part of public relations.

At CPUT, PR students are very privileged in the sense that they are exposed to a wide array of events in their first year of study. They are expected to work in groups because in the real world, we work in teams and departments and this course should thus mimic the industry. In the second year, students work individually on community based development and NGO related projects. The third year is completely practically based. Thus, the first year must lay the ground work with regard to exposing students to real-life event situations. Students no longer do event management as a subject and thus eventing has become such an integral part of the first year syllabus. It is indeed hard work but it should be, as it must prepare you for the real world.

To those who have actively applied themselves during this process, you have learnt an immeasurable amount of skills and abilties that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your career. To the latter, you have wasted a valuable opportunity! PR is not Event Management, but with the same sentiment PR is Not, Not Event Management! A similar comparison is expecting your cellphone to work without a charger. The cellphone is a wonderful device but for it to be effective you need to charge it regularly. Without the charger, the cellphone cannot work. Likewise, with PR and Events. Event Management is a tangiable representation of the PR Function! The Event is the culmination and end result of your thinking process and idea.

Raising Funds is Delicious

2009-10-12T15:06:00.005+02:00

Designer Chocolate Cake by Azraa Dawood

Group A (Evan & Ameerah): Running a Raffle at R2 a Ticket, the Prize is ofcourse this Delicious Chocolate Cake - "Who thought Fundraising would be this tasty...")

"WOW, Azraa has outdone herself!"

Group C Fundraising Party Pics

2009-10-10T18:36:00.001+02:00

Reading "the" Book vs Watching "the" Film

2009-10-08T08:35:00.008+02:00

Which do you prefer? The Book or the Film?

(this is a general question, not based on the above example)

HAVE YOUR SAY by VOTING in the POLL on your RIGHT HAND SIDE. In Communication Science, we usually rely on fictional stories to create a sense of reality within the subject matter we teach and learn about. Stories like 'Lord of the Flies' and 'The Clan of the Cave Bear' are examples of stories we expose our students to. Both of these titles were originally books that have subsequently been the base for Hollywood Blockbusters.

Many people adamently debate the conversion of a classic story, written in a book, being turned into a Hollywood fake to make a movie. The truth be told, most movie versions are considerably different to the orginal book version. This is due simply to the fact, that the entire book cannot be depicted in the film because it would take too long and cost too much. The average runs for anything between 90 - 120 minutes, anything longer becomes too expensive and risky with regard to marketability. Also, Hollywood prefer positive endings and sensational stories, which often means that the movie version is slightly tweaked to accommodate a cinema audience. This reality is the basis of this entire debate.

So, I ask you, "What do you think? Would you rather read the book or go out and see it on the big (or small) screen?" Personally, to be completely honest and with a firm belief tha I will not be judged in this regard, prefer the movie version. Thus, I, Ayesha Toyer, would rather watch it before I read it. I love the cinema and wathching movies and find the movie version more exciting than the book version and mostly, I find it more fun and interesting to go see the movie which entices all my senses, as opposed to the book which I find unstimulating (no offence to book lovers). Sorry but that's just me!!!

You have your say, and vote on the poll to your right hand side and the statistics will tell the tale of what the majority think... Watch this space...

Faculty of Informatics and Design Celebrate the Nationwide Release of Intonga

2009-10-07T13:52:00.005+02:00

Intonga Premiere

2009-10-07T11:18:00.011+02:00

The Glamorous, Glamorous...

On Friday, 4 September the Faculty of Informatics and Design hosted the first screening and premiere for the faculty's first-ever feature film release at the Canal Walk's Cinema Prive theatre. The film, Intonga, was created by the faculty's Film and Video Department's students under the leadership of Jared Seth Borkum, as well as a few professional film makers under the direction and creative genuis of established and celebrated South African director, J.J. van Rensburg.

The film was subsequently purchased by both Stir-Kinekor and Nu Metro and was officially released nationwide on 4 September. To celebrate this huge accomplishment, the PR department was asked to arrange the premiere evening. Both Ayesha Toyer and Munira Allie organised the premiere evening, with the assistance of PR1 students, who served as hosts and hostesses at the premiere. The night was glamorous, well supported, luxurious, dazzling and most enjoyable. It was attended by the cast and crew of the film, as well the director J.J. van Rensburg, the Dean of FID Professor Johannes Cronje, as well as students, staff and their friends and family.

Why should we STOP Complaining?

2009-10-06T14:56:00.007+02:00

Is Life Really Fair?

Whenever we complain, some bright-spark always feels the need to say, "Stop complaining, and be grateful for what you do have as opposed to what you don't." In reality, what does that solve? Just think about it, if we never complained, nothing would have ever changed... Would the Civil Rights Movement have started in America? Would the Armed Struggle have started in SA? Would the French Serfs have Revolted agains the French Noble Society all those generations ago? I think the answer is simple NO!

So why tell us to stop complaining when complaining eventually leads to active change and social mobility for the greater good.

One of my colleagues and friends recently did something that took my breath away, even though it was something so ordinary, but because we never do, it is extraordinary. I am referring to the issue us Westerners don't think about, the plight of Hunger! We visited a restaurant and on our way inside a woman with a young child approached us for food. We simply ignored her and pretended we did not did not see her. Like most people, we have become numb and indifferent to people begging and asking for food. While inside, we received our orders and before she started her meal she received an extra meal in a bag and quickly ran outside. When she returned we asked where she had gone, she answered by saying that she went to take a meal to the woman with the child because she could not enjoy her meal thinking of the two of them going hungry outside. We all teared up after hearing her kind and selfless gesture.

This leads me to believe that the more we complain, the more we care, the angrier we get and in so doing, the more able we are to actively change our circumstances. Thinking about World Hunger sickens me because it is so grossly unfair. "They" say that the world cannot feed its population - to that I say - BULL!!! The writing is on the wall, we just need to read it. If this were true, why is most of the American population obese and most Ethiopians starving? Because there is enough food to feed the world but like with most things, those with money are fed first (to the point of obesity) and the latter have to wait in line for the scraps. Pictures like the one above should at least guilt us into caring enough to complain, into caring enough to think about it and have a conversation and hopefully that conversation will be profound enough to make us take action!

Lets join (mouths) hands and start complaining...

Group C Party: Student Fundraiser

2009-09-28T17:19:00.006+02:00

On Friday, 9 October, (party has been moved from 2 October to 9 October) Group C will be hosting a fundraising party in Grassy Park at Lauren Howard's home in Grassy Park. The party will be hosted in her personal dance studio and the cover charge will be R20. The theme of the party is the "Group C R10-a-Drink Party" and all PR1 students are encouraged to come and bring their friends along. For more information please visit Bronwyn Ellman's Facebook page.

I hope to see all of you there, it will be lovely way to prepare for all the work ahead. It will be an even better way to support one another and encourage colleageality!

The Loeries Long Street Party Festival

2009-09-28T17:05:00.006+02:00

The LOERIES 2009 in Cape Town

(for the first time... ever...)

On Friday, 25 September and Saturday, 26 September the Loeries took over Long Street in Cape Town's CBD. Long Street, which is usually very eventful over weekends with regard to nightlife was fully transformed into one big Loeries Party. Long Street was closed off and and turned into one huge street party. Loeries had a special VIP marquee that accommodated thousands of Lorie guests. Entry was reserved to those who attended the Awards and who had a special 'blue' armband. In addition, to the Loeries marquee, many other hotspots in Long Street also hosted Loeries parties, these were branded and marked with the Loeries icons and emblems (animated ball-like characters). Some of the most popular destinations were Zula, Cape To Cuba and Stones. Long Street was buzzing until the early hours of the morning and most partygoers only left well after 6am on Saturday and Sunday morning respectively. The constant SAPS presence helped to maintain order and encourage safe fun for all concerned. Lets hope LOERIES will be back in Cape Town soon as their inaugural visit has been dubbed as a Huge Success!!!

Party to Raise Funds at Cybar by Belvana Abeli

2009-09-23T18:28:00.007+02:00

Ayesha hiding from the camera and Thembakazi having a Blast

Roxy with Partner and Louise looking Funky!

Precious breaking it Down... Tshego & Evan looking HOT!

The Guys: Joseph and Jacques Partying...

The End is in Sight...

2009-09-23T18:18:00.005+02:00

The President Protea Hotel in Bantry Bay: The Location of the First Year Gala Awards Dinner 2009

PR 1 Students are currently planning not only their own End of Year Gala Dinner but the third year Farewell and the Departmental Luncheon as well. However, they are looking forward to celebrating the end of their first year of study in a tertiary environment. "You have all (most) worked very hard and shortly you will celebrate the fruits of your labour. Hang in there because the next two months will be a trying time. When you get into rutt and feel completely stressed and worried think of the beautiful scene above, think about the lovely evening you will spend with friends, colleagues and lecturers, think of how you will celebrate the end of your first year! Work toward the 14th of November - the end is literally in Sight!"

Motivate not only yourselves but your colleagues as well. Remember that success is based on working hard everyday, "Success is attributed to 10% Inspiration and 90% Perspiration." Peter Drucker said, "The only way to predict the future is to create it..." First Year's the future is your's to create, so make it great!!!

Speech Competition

2009-09-23T17:56:00.003+02:00

Communication Science 1 students are currently working on their Persuasive Public Speeches that will commence at the start of the next term. For their speeches, they will be expected to deliver a persuasive speech of about 5-7 minutes to an audience of their peers. Their speech should include visual aids and will be expected to be dressed formally and will have to present themselves professionally. Each student must do the speech and their presentation will serve as an automatic entry into the annual Public Speaking Competition hosted by their lecturer, Ayesha Toyer.

All students will do their speech before a panel of judges (made up of academic and professional staff). The Top 10 will be selected and identified and they will compete at the final event, where they will present their speech to the the entire PR Department. The Winner and two runner's-up will be announced and the Best Public Speaker will thus be announced at this Special Occassion. The final will take place at the end of October (date, time and venue to be confirmed).

Blogging at CPUT

2009-09-23T17:50:00.003+02:00

Communication Science 1 students have been working on their own Bloggs for months now. Part of their summative assessment for 2009, dictates that they should start their own Blogg. The aim of the task is to measure their ability to communicate with audiences via the Blogosphere. Their brief concluded that they design and set up a Blogg of their choice, the subject matter had no predispositions, thus the Blogg could be either personal or professional in nature.

They were however encouraged to use the Blogg in the future and not discard it after the task had been assessed. PR 1 students have thus adamently started Blogging and are currently enjoying the wealth of information on the Blogosphere.

Watch this Space and Keep Blogging...

The A-List has Landed

2009-09-23T17:41:00.003+02:00

As Capetonian locals, Bizcommunity.com is feeling all warm and fuzzy about welcoming our industry to our town for the first time ever. It might not be the bemarbled bling you're used to up there in Sandton - but its charm is purported to be hipper, funkier and craftier than many other places. From the charming hand-painted murals of Charley's Bakery to the charming hand-painted Victorian facades of Long street and the natural beauty of the Camps Bay Riviera you can't help but be inspired by Cape Town.

"The one thing Biz has got planned is the official onsite Loerie gallery."

Obviously Biz will be giving all the winners their due, as well as offering in-depth opinion and interviews on relevant industry issues that manifest during the course of the weekend. Biz will also be handing out complimentary goodies to help readers inflate their collective egos and running about all over town with the sole purpose of honouring 2009's most worthy.

Sala kahle!Bizcommunity.com

TUT takes over Cape Town

2009-09-09T15:41:00.017+02:00

GIDEON TEBID addresses PR STUDENTS

Gideon Mumeson Tebid from the Tswane University of Technology recently visited Cape Town with 66 of his second year Journalism students. They arrived on Saturday, 29 August and departed on Thursday, 3 September 2009. On Sunday, his students visited Robben Island, followed by Media 24 on Monday, Parliament on Wednesday and Thursday and their trip ended with a visit to Cape Point on Thursday. In addition to taking his students on this eye-opening once-in-a-lifetime experience, he made time to do two guest lectures at the CPUT evening school. On Tuesday, 1 September, Gideon addressed the first year Communication Science part time group and spoke about Ethics and its place within the Communication domain. On Thursday, he delivered the same presentation to second year Communication Science students. His presentation was informative, theoretical, practical and relative.

When asked for feedback, the overwhelming response was met with joy, excitement and appreciation. A student said, "I acquired new knowledge and enjoyed the presentation because it was fun, the presenter was interactive and entertaining. When is he coming back?"

Gideon invited students to join his Facebook Book Club, called "VARC TUT" - Voracious African Readers Club. Students are expected to read books by African authors and then discuss the books in no more than two sentences within the Facebook Group. In so doing, students discuss and engage with one another about the themes of the books. Join Today by clicking on the following link: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=VARC+TUT&init=quick

SACOMM 2009

2009-08-18T14:37:00.009+02:00

The CPUT PR Department will have a strong presence at this year's SACOMM Conference. The Conference is hosted by North Wester Univeristy and the location is Potchefstroom. We have an impressive amount of accepted abstracts and presentations. I (Ayesha Toyer), Thabisa Nondzube, Rifqah Abrahams, Marian Pike, Rudolf van Jaarsvedlt and Dr. Nirvana Bechan will all be presenting at the conference and will be covering a wide range of topics and areas of Corporate Communication research. See above, is last year's team of presenters from CPUT. In addition to presenting, academics have the opportunity to network with other academics and form mutually beneficial relationships for the development of our respective students.

Magazine Cover and Advertisement Competition

2009-08-18T12:15:00.003+02:00

The time came and went and the winners were announced. At the annual Media Conference, on Saturday 1 August 2009, the final works were presented for all to view and enjoy. A final top 13 Magazine Covers and Advertisements were selected and presented on the day.

Three judges were selected who judged the work and established a winner for of the categories. The judges included the Faculty of Informatics and Design Dean; Prof. Johannes Cronje; Head of Communication Science; Dr. Nirvana Bechan and owner and managing director of Globe Creative; Matthys Ras.

After much deliberation, the winners were decided are their work can be seen on the right hand panel. Coming at first place for her magazine cover was Daniella Rall, she was followed by Tarryn van Zyl is second position and Georgia Steytler took up the third position. More than 170 magazine covers were presented for entry and these three ladies were voted as having the best covers overall. Sarah Gould received first prize for her Advertisment and second place was shared by Georgia Steytler and Chiara Turilli.

Both Daniella and Sarah won amazing prizes. Sunglass Hut and Eyelab V&A Waterfront sponsored our wonderful prizes. Daniella won a pair of Dolce and Gabanna sunglasses valued at R2500. The sunglasses were also encrusted with Swarovsky Crystals - WOW! Sarah won a pair of Diesel sunglasses also valued at R2500.

The level of all the magazine covers and advertisements that were presented were of an exceptional quality. The judges were blown away and found it exceptionally hard to choose only three winners for each category. Well Done PR1 Communication Science Students:)

Learning to be more Effective

2009-08-17T15:00:00.005+02:00

I recently attended a workshop, promising to provide me with the skills to be more effective. The programme starts off by auditing one's perception of time management and establishing what one believes to be both urgent and important and the relationship between the two concepts. It sounds alot easier than it actually is. Much of what one does is often more urgent than it is important. For this reason, we live our lives in crises, rushing through everything without focus and purpose. The workshop points out that if one re-evaluates one's perception of what is important versus what is urgent, one could possibly become much more efficient and effective.

Being effective complies with the 80/20 rule. This rule states that one is effective when you put in 20% effort and yield 80% result. The age old principle of input versus output. Good business doctrine dicatates that success is attributed to minimal input (expenses), and maximum output (profit). Likewise, one's productivity and effective at work (study) should be representative of this rule. We should work smart not hard!

Therefore, get yourself out of crisis and focus on what is important - to you! Often, this means saying NO, saying No to things that are not important to you. "A lack of planning on your part does not constitute a crisis on mine!" I love this quote because it gets straight to the point, basically - "Don't make your problems mine!" I will start doing this, saying NO, NO to everyone, NO if what you want me to do does not benefit me, I know it sounds selfish but you have to be all about you!!! If you don't - who will?

Diamonds & Pearls

2009-08-17T14:47:00.007+02:00

PR1 2009, have decided to go with the theme, "Diamonds and Pearls" for their first year Awards Gala Dinner. Their colour palette will reflect this theme, being black, silver (bling and diamonds) and champagne (pearls). The function will be hosted on Saturday, 14 November at the President Protea Hotel in Bantry Bay, Sea Point. The event will be a formal one and guests will be expected to glam it up for the evening. Watch this space for Updates!

In addition to this function, there are another three functions being organised. PR is divided into Group A - C. Each group is planning a difference function. Group A is responsible for the First Year Awards Dinner (Diamonds and Pearls). Group B is responsible for the Third Year Farewell Dinner (Mardi Gras) and Group C is responsible for the newly launched PR Luncheon (Obrigado - Thanks in Portugese). This luncheon serves to Thank all Employers who employ our third year students in their final year of the study. The luncheon will be presented as a half day mini-conference with delicious food, lively entertainment and most important empowering knowledge and information. PR1's are currently planning and working hard, all events will culminated during November and they will be assessed on the level of success they achieve.

Decor: Casino Royale 007

2009-08-17T14:38:00.008+02:00

Theme Colour: Black, Red and Gold

Table Number, Guest Names and Captivating Centre-piece

Red Carpet Entrance: 007 Screens and Table Register

The Feelings of Free Speech...

2009-06-29T13:24:00.008+02:00

Fan's paying their final respects: Rest in Peace MJ

The King of Pop: Michael Jackson

In international communication, the laws of engagement change after someone has passed away. Michael Jackson recently passed away unexpectedly and his death erupted across the international media landscape. Individuals who felt comfortable mocking and insulting him no longer did out of respect, individuals like Perez Hilton was publicly protested and his 'Twitter' followers were told to 'un-follow' him after his nasty remarks following the passing of Jackson.

What I find interesting is this: "Why is it okay to publicly mock and insult someone when they are alive, but as soon as they pass, it is no longer acceptable?" Why do people feel the need to be 'nice' about someone when they have passed even though you thought they were awful while they were alive? My opinion of MJ is however one of entire admiration and love - "I think he was wonderful as an artist, father, individual, human being and international figure of kindness, passion and love and no matter what people say about his personal preferences he was a wonderful man who used his music and voice to literally make the world a better place.

In the arena of modern-day communication, is it fair to expect people to bite their tongue once someone has passed, when they given free reign to say what they like about that person while they were alive? That is a difficult one! Communication is such a sensitive subjective issue that cannot simply be answered with a yes or no answer - it's just more complicated than that! Michael's death has however posed the question on an international scale and caused many to rethink their actions and 'think before they open their mouths'! Have your say...

Magazine Covers & Ads that Rock!

2009-06-29T12:37:00.003+02:00

First Year PR students are currently doing a very interesting task. They are designing their very own magazine cover and advertisments. Most of them have created the entire product from scratch, an example of a student photograph, above, shows the talent of the first year PR students.

Examples of their Covers and Ads will be featured on the Blog shortly. The best of which will be exhibited at the CPUT annual media conference. This task fits into the 2009 theme of New Media.

Awards Dinner 2008

2009-06-26T15:59:00.003+02:00

Josh and Partner ready for a night of Fun!
Lorenzo proves Popular with the Ladies in his Tux
Friends (L>R), Eddie, Donna & Karabo look Stunning!

The Dean, Prof. Cronje and the "great": Marcus Brewster

Organising Team: Lee-Anne, Simone, Ayesha and Graye

In 2008, the function got a makeover of exclusivety and was dramatically improved in every way. The function moved to a larger venue, to the President Protea Hotel in Bantry Bay and saw the induction of student entertainers. There was a diverse collection of singers, musicians and overall impressive talents presented at the gala dinner that celebrated the end of the year and the achievements of first year students. The event was both professional as well as exclusively luxurious as guests were welcomed to the beautifully decorated venue by a professional photographer, delicious hand-made chocolates and a selection of welcome drinks:)

PR Awards Function 2007

2009-06-26T15:38:00.005+02:00

"A Cheeky night at at the Oscars", no pun intended...

The Theme: "A Night at the Oscars"

'Engraved OSCAR Awards for Top Students in 2007'
Students enjoying themselves

The Beautiful Ladies enjoying the Beautiful Venue

Daniella & Jade: Winners of "Drama Queen and Queen"2007

Students enjoy the Delicious Eats and Treats:)

In 2007, the PR1's and their lecturer, Ayesha Toyer, launched the first ever First Year Awards Gala Dinner. The dinner allowed students the opportunity to come out in style and enjoy an evening of luxury, opulence and most importantly; to celebrate their achievements during their first year of study and in so doing, encourage them to over-achieve in the years to come!

SACOMM 2009

2009-06-26T14:59:00.000+02:00

DOES TOP MANAGEMENT VALUE THE CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS FUNCTION ON A STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT LEVEL?

Much of the literature within the context of strategic corporate communication asserts that the function is drastically marginalised and its value disputed within the inner circle. The literature moreover states that practising corporate communications managers and strategists are expected to validate their presence within the top levels of management within the organisation. Steyn (2000) concurs with this finding and explains that the conflicting names of the profession furthermore add to lack of understanding and attributed value of the function and its representatives. Unlike other disciplines, there ‘marketing’ is ‘marketing’, the practice of corporate communications is associated to many different names and descriptions; these include public relations, corporate communication, public affairs, and stakeholder advisory. Before professionals within the industry are able to justify and accredit their existence within the inner circle, they must foremost establish the current climate of the profession within the inner circle. Only then, can professionals adapt and change their perception and interpretation to reflect their value and contribution toward to overall organisational effectiveness. The researcher therefore plans to measure the value placed on corporate communication managers at a strategic management level, within an organisational context, by senior executive management. In so doing, the researcher will be able to set the tone as to what the current climate is related to corporate communications, within top listed organisations, operating within South Africa. This research is necessary for practising professionals, students, academics and executive organisational management; for the purpose of establishing the current perception of the function, and at the same time, advise remedies to the concerns and issues identified to assert and establish a broad based climate of value for the strategic corporate communications functions within the various roles of the function.

P.R. the bottom line...

2009-06-26T14:05:00.005+02:00

Public relations as an industry need to realize the value of the bottom line and stop living in the world of perceived value. Value can only be asserted to profit because in the world of business, “The only business of business is business!”

In my preliminary findings of my Mtech dissertation, I have been able to assert that many organisation’s perceive PR to be valuable but are confused by what they should be doing. An example can be made by the fact that directors from a legal background have been tasked with managing stakeholder relationships and corporate governance. This portfolio is thus within the legal department and PR has no input in this regard. Surely, a PR manager with an Mtech degree should be managing this portfolio – “Is this not what you studied and what you have been expertly trained for?” As far as I am concerned, the problem lies with those in the industry, with the professionals practicing PR on a daily basis.
This assumption is attributed to the fact that many practitioners and managers complain about the lack of opportunity in the workplace, when they should be focusing on creating their own. Why not create your own portfolio? “The PR profession is threatened by a lack of creativity and the wow factor,” Marcus Brewster (2009). Practitioners complain that there are no opportunities or jobs – start your own organization or simply open your eyes. When working on one project, I was offered two jobs from two different organizations. Why? Because when you do something do it with the intention to impress – the age old rule of under promising and over delivering applies here. Blow your managers away with the wow factor – create your own opportunities and take charge!
As Marcus Brewster states, PR professionals need to deliver the wow factor. If you are able to come up with a strategy detailing how you can make money for the organization, management should surely buy in to that. Everything done in PR can be calculated and reported in rands and cents. Yes of course, it is not as easy as doing it in marketing when you have a traditional balance sheet but it can be done. As a professional, you can assert a monetary value to stakeholder relationships by listing not only what money has been generated by your initiatives but also how much money has been saved by your initiatives. Moving toward impressing, why not try implementing a triple bottom line policy focusing especially on environmental awareness within your organization. This can result in reporting on your triple bottom line accomplishments in your annual report and saving your organization money at the same time. Saving money would be attributed to environment awareness initiatives – start a committee and introduce recycling coupled with initiatives based on saving energy. In so doing, you would be reporting what you do in rands and cents.
Moreover, on the matter of social responsibility, “Doing good is bad business,” as stated by the Fortune Magazine editor. This statement therefore affirms the point that the mere giving of corporate funds cannot validate the classification of a good corporate citizen. With that said, practitioners must also understand that merely giving money to charities is not strategic, every action taken and every rand spent must have a purpose and a return on investment for the organization. For organizations to be excellent they need to be managed excellently and that burden falls on the shoulders of the director. If you are striving for the position of director, everything you do must be carefully mapped out and strategically designed!
Compliance to the economic, environmental and social bottom lines are not enough, you need to benchmark in everything you do. Marcus Brewster suggests practicing ‘Method PR’. Method PR is compared to method acting which should be intense, real, direct and engaging. “Just like method acting, cut through the stale clutter of old-style, phony performance, Method PR connects with the audience and makes them feel and most important makes them react,” Marcus Brewster (2009). Money still controls business because it is quite honestly the determining factor between those that succeed and those that fail. It thus seems clear that practitioners must shift toward proving their worth in economic value if they are to experience a future in the corporate world.

Open Day 2009

2009-05-19T16:22:00.002+02:00

Surface Design's Mosaic Artwork proved popular among Visitors
Nonthandazo from Multimedia Technology

Amanda selling Photography to a potential Student

Cindy and Lee-Ann from I.T.

"Keeping it Real"

2009-05-19T14:31:00.002+02:00

I was recently interviewed on a SABC 2 television show, called "Keeping it Real". The show is produced by Clockwork Zoo, and hosted by Noluthando Meje.

The show focused on the issues young people should consider when deciding on their tertiary studies. We discussed Aptitude Testing, Personality Testing, Researching info from the Institutions you are interested in and finding out about the career you might be interested in.

We also spoke about Bursaries and working hard. Being a bursary graduate, I especially believe in furthering one's studies with bursaries. This teaches one how to be responsible and strive for the best because there are more people involved in your studies than just you.

Scholars and students should both do their best at all times to ensure that they end up in the job of their dreams and are thus able to reach their full potential!!!

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

2009-05-02T12:09:00.004+02:00

10th Anniversary of the CTIJF

April marked the month that Cape Town opened it's doors for the international music industry. The tenth annual CT International Jazz Fest welcomed both local and international music superstars which included the likes of Hugh Masekela, 340ml, Peter White, The Stylistics, Shakatak, and the infamous and very attractive Mos Def.

I worked at the festival in the capacity of Artist Liaison, this position gave the opportunity to meet and spend time with all the festival's performing artists and media personalities. I met the most amazing and interesting people and spent a considerable amount of time with them and their entourage. It was an experience of a life time. I also worked with the festival documentary crew and interviewed some of the artists at the festival and many of the guests (ticket paying audience) who visited the festival. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget and which allowed me to dramatically increase my frame of reference and level of experience.

Top Student 2008: Overall Achiever

2009-03-05T14:45:00.000+02:00

On 29 December 2008, the First Year Public Relations Management students celebrated the end of their first year in style. They organised, as part of a practical assessment, their very own, end of year gala dinner and awards evening. Students, after a rigorous voting process, were awarded both academic and 'gimic'prizes, with personally engraved Oscar-like statues for categories that ranged from 'Most Eligable Bachelor' to 'Best Smile'. Academic awards were issued by lecturing staff based on academic performance, behaviour, attitude, passion and interest, during the first year of study.

At the end of the evening, Anike Theron, took home four 'Oscars', they include, "PR Poppie", Top Communication Science and Media Studies Student and Overall Academic Achiever for 2009.

Industry Guests, Staff and Students End 2008 in Style

2009-03-05T14:40:00.001+02:00

Master of Ceremonies: Donna Solomons and Marc Stocken

Winnings Students Menay Lintnaar & Megan Sonnenberg with their 'Oscars'

FID Dean; Prof. Johannes Cronje and Marcus Brewster

Wow:) Don't they look Beautiful

From Left: Leanne Wentzel (organiser), Simone van Willigh (Head Organiser), Ayesha Toyer (lecturer) and Graye Morkel (songstress)

Tips of Communicating Well with an International Audience?

2009-03-02T12:33:00.000+02:00

To communicate on an international level, one must understand the international audience. Google has done this successfully and communicates with an international mulicultural, multiracial, multilingual and individualistic community on a daily basis.

2009-02-20T14:50:00.000+02:00

Students prove themselves as Professional Exhibitors

2009-02-18T14:39:00.000+02:00

Winning 'PR' stall (Tourism Management)

Jody Carollisen from the PR stall talks with visitors

Sam Tobias & Yolisa Ndhlovu with their lecturer, Ayesha, at Winning Stall for PR