Lerato Palesa Ngakane

Communications and Futurist
Johannesburg, ZA.

About

A visionary Communications and Futurist specialist with over 20 years of experience, Lerato Palesa Ngakane excels at translating complex foresight into strategic narratives for organizations navigating future timelines. Leveraging expertise in public communications, creative writing, and social justice advocacy, she has spearheaded high-impact campaigns for international NGOs like Greenpeace and 350.org, focusing on climate change, renewable energy, and media engagement across Africa. A proven leader in content creation and strategic storytelling, she has also produced two successful podcasts, demonstrating a unique ability to bridge human understanding with emerging global complexities.

Work

Southern Transitions
|

Communications Consultant

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Provided strategic communications leadership for a think tank, aligning long-term strategy with organizational objectives and enhancing public profile.

Highlights

Developed and implemented a comprehensive long-term communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the think tank's strategic objectives.

Cultivated robust media profile and presence across traditional and digital platforms, significantly increasing positive exposure for the team.

Managed a communications matrix to effectively filter and prioritize team communications, optimizing outreach efforts.

Produced high-impact media outputs and internal communications, including quarterly newsletters for stakeholders and weekly updates.

Oversaw social media manager to align content with strategic goals, enhancing digital engagement and brand consistency.

Pioneered new and improved digital approaches to advance the Think and Do Tanks' online presence and impact.

Global Gas and Oil Network (GGON)
|

Africa Communications Coordinator

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Orchestrated comprehensive communications strategies and media engagement across Africa for GGON, amplifying voices and driving advocacy for new energy systems.

Highlights

Developed and executed long and short-term communications strategies and plans, integrating network member input to achieve aligned strategic objectives.

Secured broader media coverage by cultivating new relationships with journalists and editors, enhancing visibility for key priorities.

Designed and organized messaging architecture for virtual and live press conferences, ensuring consistent and impactful communication.

Established a Community of Practice through network convenings, fostering shared voice and guidance on critical priorities.

Produced weekly trends updates on political, environmental, technological, legal, and policy impacts, informing network strategy and operations.

Amplified community resistance stories and renewable energy successes, leveraging alternative spokespeople to frame conversations on new energy systems in media.

Designed and facilitated Narrative and storytelling workshops, strengthening messaging consistency and impact across the network.

MANSA ADVISORY
|

Communications Director

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Directed multi-channel communications strategy and creative output for MANSA ADVISORY, enhancing stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Highlights

Established and drove a multi-channel communications strategy, overseeing all creative and media outputs for the advisory firm.

Developed comprehensive Communications Workshop Material and Media Training programs, enhancing team capabilities and external messaging.

Managed media relations and provided critical support to grassroots stakeholders, strengthening advocacy efforts.

Implemented robust monitoring and analysis reports, providing data-driven insights for continuous communications improvement.

Women4Climate: Developing Skills for Women Leadership in Climate Action
|

Contributor

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Curated and produced a compelling mini-workshop to drive awareness and engagement for climate-centered communications.

Highlights

Developed and produced a concise video-based mini-workshop, effectively articulating the relevance of climate communications.

Enhanced audience awareness and engagement with climate-centered topics through innovative storytelling and visual content.

Collaborated with C40 Cities, L'oreal Foundation, and University to deliver impactful educational content.

Freelance Senior Copywriter (Various Agencies)
|

Freelance Senior Copywriter

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Conceptualized and executed 360-degree campaigns for diverse clients, transforming complex briefs into compelling narratives across print, TV, and digital platforms to drive measurable business outcomes including increased sales and brand awareness.

Highlights

Developed and delivered high-impact 360-degree campaigns, bridging creative concepts with polished execution for various clients.

Translated complex client briefs into irresistible stories across Print, TV, and Digital, consistently meeting and exceeding business objectives.

Contributed to significant increases in client sales and brand awareness through strategic copywriting and creative direction.

Managed diverse client portfolio including MTN, FNB, Nando's, South African Breweries, L'Oreal, Nivea, and Volvo, demonstrating versatility and industry impact.

International Rivers
|

Freelance: Communications Consultant

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Provided strategic communications input for a critical water rights campaign in Virunga, DRCongo, focusing on community impact.

Highlights

Delivered strategic communications input for the Virunga, DRCongo (INGA Project) water rights campaign, advocating for affected communities.

Co-designed and executed a virtual media briefing with partner organizations, highlighting community struggles with high power costs.

350.org
|

Communications Officer, Africa

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Led strategic communications across South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal for 350.org, enhancing regional advocacy and media presence.

Highlights

Spearheaded strategic communications initiatives across five African countries (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal), significantly expanding regional impact.

Developed and delivered Communications Workshop Material and Media Training, empowering local teams and partners.

Managed media relations across the region, securing prominent coverage for climate advocacy campaigns.

Greenpeace Africa
|

Communications Officer, South Africa

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Served as Project Lead for global #BreakFree Campaign, developing media strategies and narratives to drive environmental advocacy in South Africa.

Highlights

Led the media strategy for the #BreakFree Campaign, securing global spotlights and increasing public awareness.

Authored impactful press releases and managed media monitoring and analysis, ensuring effective communication and response.

Developed an overarching narrative for campaigns, fostering consistent messaging and public engagement.

Facilitated Design Thinking workshops, promoting innovative approaches to campaign development.

Produced daily newsletters, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged with critical updates.

HAVAS Worldwide
|

Senior Copywriter

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Developed and executed compelling advertising copy and creative concepts for Havas Worldwide, enhancing brand messaging and campaign effectiveness.

Highlights

Crafted engaging copy for various advertising campaigns, aligning with client objectives and brand guidelines.

Collaborated with creative teams to conceptualize and deliver innovative marketing solutions.

Contributed to the successful execution of integrated campaigns across multiple media channels.

Metropolitan Republic
|

Senior Copywriter

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Produced impactful copy and creative content for Metropolitan Republic, contributing to successful advertising campaigns and client engagement.

Highlights

Authored persuasive copy for diverse advertising projects, ensuring clear communication of brand messages.

Supported the development of creative concepts, translating strategic insights into compelling narratives.

Maintained high standards of quality and consistency in all written communications.

TBWA Hunt Lascaris
|

Copywriter

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Generated creative and effective copy for TBWA Hunt Lascaris, supporting the development and execution of client advertising campaigns.

Highlights

Wrote engaging copy for a range of advertising materials, contributing to client brand visibility.

Assisted in the conceptualization phase of campaigns, bringing fresh ideas and linguistic expertise.

Ensured all copy was aligned with strategic objectives and brand voice.

Jacana Media
|

Publishing Publicist

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Managed publicity and media relations for Jacana Media, promoting publications and authors to enhance public visibility and sales.

Highlights

Developed and executed publicity strategies for book launches and author promotions, increasing media coverage and public interest.

Cultivated relationships with media contacts to secure reviews, interviews, and features for published works.

Coordinated promotional events and campaigns, enhancing the visibility and market reach of publications.

Ochre Media
|

TV show Researcher

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Conducted in-depth research and developed conceptual content for TV shows at Ochre Media, supporting production and storyline development.

Highlights

Delivered comprehensive conceptual content and research for TV shows, informing storyline development and production decisions.

Provided essential production support, ensuring seamless execution of television projects.

Contributed to successful pitching efforts, securing support for new show concepts.

Curious Pictures
|

TV Show Researcher

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Conducted research and provided conceptual content for TV shows at Curious Pictures, supporting production and pitching.

Highlights

Generated conceptual content for television programs, contributing to storyline development and narrative structure.

Assisted in production support, ensuring smooth operations and content delivery.

Participated in pitching sessions, presenting research and creative ideas for new projects.

Short Ends Productions
|

TV Show Researcher

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Performed research and developed conceptual content for TV shows at Short Ends Productions, supporting production and storyline development.

Highlights

Conducted thorough research to inform and enrich TV show content and storylines.

Provided critical production assistance, ensuring efficient project execution.

Aided in the development of pitches, articulating compelling concepts for television programs.

Education

University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

PGDip

Future Studies

UNISA
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

BA

Politics, Philosophy & Economics

AAA School of Advertising
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

BA

Brand and Communications

AAA School of Advertising
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Diploma

Copywriting

Skills

Conceptual Thinking

Execution, Strategic Planning.

Public Relations (PR)

Media Strategy, Communication Strategy, Media Engagement.

Climate Change Communications

Energy Communications, Media Engagement, Just Transition, Renewable Energy, Fossil Fuel Phaseout.

Futures Forecasting

Systems Thinking, Scenario Setting, Trends Analysis, Strategic Foresight.

Facilitation

MobLab Campaign Accelerator, Workshop Design, Training Development.

Creative Writing

Copywriting, Storytelling, Narrative Development.

Podcast Production

Content Creation, Writing, Producing, Coordination, Hosting.

Social Justice Advocacy

Community Engagement, Environmental Justice.

Campaign Management

Multichannel Campaigns, Strategic Objectives, Rollout Planning.

Stakeholder Management

Internal Collaboration, Grassroots Support, Network Convenings.

Digital Communications

Social Media Management, Digital Presence, Online Radio Broadcasting.

Media Relations

Journalist Engagement, Press Releases, Media Monitoring, Media Briefings.

Research

TV Show Research, Conceptual Content Delivery, Storyline Development.

Project Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration, Team Management.