The University of Venda is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Mesia Moses Hlungwani as the new Development Officer for the Advancement Unit in the Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication with effect from 01 October 2023.
Mr Hlungwani is an accomplished communication specialist with more than 12 years experience in the field. Throughout his professional career he occupied various positions in the public sector and government parastatals. Some of the institutions he worked for include the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Department of Justice,
National School of Government, Department of Correctional Services and Eskom. He is an all-rounder in the Communication fraternity with expertise in Internal Communication, Marketing, Media Liaison Services, Stakeholder Management and Events Management.
He Kickstarted his career at the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism as a Communication Intern where he was later appointed as a Communication Officer on a contract basis. He then joined the Department of Justice as a language practitioner, subsequent to that he was appointed by the National School of Government as a Communication Officer where he contributed immensely to internal and external communication. During his tenure at the National School of Government, he was part of the communication team which assisted the organisation to transition from being called PALAMA (Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy) to the National School of Government. Together with the team, he played a significant role in launching the new National School of Government, rebranding the organisation and developing eLearning platform for public servants.
He then joined the Department of Correctional Services as a Communications Manager for Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga where amongst other responsibilities he served as the spokesperson for the department in the district. Prior to joining the University of Venda, Mr Hlungwani was working for Eskom Power Utility as a Senior Advisor Communication and Stakeholder Management under Generation Division. He was responsible for managing external stakeholders and management of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in all Eskom coal fleets. He was at the forefront of managing stability at Eskom power stations to ensure that all stations operated without interference from stakeholders. He was also part of the Eskom Just Energy Transition (JET) which focuses on reducing the use of coal by power stations to achieve “Net Zero” carbon emissions by 2050. As part of Eskom JET, he was responsible for mobilising and engaging with donors, funders and investors.
Mr Hlungwani is no stranger to the University of Venda. He is a graduate with Media Studies degree from the University of Venda, he further holds the following qualifications: an honours degree in Integrated Organisational Communication, Advance Programme in Marketing Management and Higher Certificate in Public Relations Management all from the University of South Africa (UNISA). He also holds a certificate in Development Communication from Wits University. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Communication Science with UNISA.
“Congratulations and welcome to the team! We believe that what a strong group of people can accomplish together is much larger, far greater, and will exceed what an individual can achieve alone,” says the Director of
Marketing, Branding and Communication, Dr Takalani Dzaga as he welcomes Mr Hlungwani.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda,
Tel: 015 962 8525 /8710
Date: 02 October 2023
