Open to opportunities

Marion Sparg

@marionsparg

Message

Accomplished communications strategist with over 30 years of experience.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that allow me to leverage my extensive experience in communications and campaign management while fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

With over 30 years of experience in communications strategy and journalism, I have successfully led high-impact national campaigns across government, political, and private sectors. My expertise lies in developing evidence-based communication strategies and managing multimillion-rand budgets, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and message alignment.

Throughout my career, I have coordinated major election campaigns, including the ANC's national elections in 2019 and 2022, and played a pivotal role in the successful 'CR17' campaign for Cyril Ramaphosa. My work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the JMS50 Alumni Award from Rhodes University, highlighting my commitment to professional excellence and societal contribution.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Behaviour Change Communication Strategist

Current

Behaviour Change Agency

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 6 months)

Led communication strategy development for clients including large state-owned entities like the South African National Roads Agency and TRANSNET, the National Energy Crisis Committee, and the Presidency of South Africa. Developed evidence-based communication campaigns using behavioural science principles and created content for various clients.

Communication Strategy Content Development Stakeholder Management Campaign Management Public Relations Strategic Planning Government Relations

Communications Campaign Coordinator

ANC Head Office

Jan 2018 - Dec 2023 (5 years 11 months)

Coordinated multi-agency communications for national election campaigns in 2019 and 2022, including digital communications. Managed message alignment, content development, media planning, collateral production, budgeting, quality control, and execution to ensure national consistency and effective stakeholder outreach.

Campaign Management Digital Communication Media Planning Content Management Budget Management Stakeholder Engagement Campaigns Public Relations

National Campaign Coordinator

ANC

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017 (11 months)

Co-ordinated the 'CR17' campaign for the election of Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president at the ANC National Conference in December 2017. Managed the digital agency appointed to the campaign and oversaw all content development and production, contributing to Cyril Ramaphosa becoming the next president of the ANC.

Campaign Management Digital Agency Management Content Development Campaigns Stakeholder Management Public Relations Strategic Communications

Strategy Director – Behavioural Science Unit

FCB South Africa

Jan 2007 - Dec 2017 (10 years 11 months)

Developed strategies and content for large-scale public awareness initiatives, including leading Operation Khanyisa for Eskom, which saved R1 billion in energy losses. Guided and developed a range of campaign content to achieve strategic objectives.

Strategy Development Content Creation Public Awareness Campaigns Strategic Communications Client Management Campaign Management Public Relations

Chief Executive Officer

National Prosecuting Authority & Directorate of Special Oper

Jan 2000 - Dec 2007 (7 years 11 months)

Served as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the operations and strategic direction of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions). Managed complex public sector initiatives and ensured effective governance.

Executive Leadership Strategic Planning Operations Management Governance Stakeholder Management Policy Implementation

Secretary (CEO equivalent)

National Council of Provinces, Parliament of South Africa

Jan 1997 - Dec 2000 (3 years 11 months)

Served as Secretary (CEO equivalent) to the National Council of Provinces, Parliament of South Africa. Managed parliamentary processes and administrative functions, contributing to legislative governance.

Parliamentary Procedures Executive Administration Governance Strategic Leadership Policy Implementation Legislative Support

Deputy Executive Director

Constitutional Assembly

Jan 1994 - Dec 1996 (2 years 11 months)

Directed South Africa's largest public participation campaign during the constitution-making process, managing advertising, publications, and public engagement across various media platforms and events. This campaign set a precedent for participatory democracy in South Africa and became an international reference point.

Public Engagement Media Management Advertising Constitutional Law

Sub-editor & Journalist

Various Media Organisations

Jan 1979 - Dec 1984 (5 years 11 months)

Worked as a sub-editor and journalist at the Daily Dispatch and Sunday Times, reporting on politics, labour, and current affairs. Served in the ANC in exile, contributing to the publication Voice of Women (VOW) and the weekly Radio Freedom programme 'Dawn Breaks'.

Journalism Content Creation Media Relations Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Rhodes University

Bachelor of Journalism, Journalism and Political Science

1977 - 1979

Activities and societies: JMS50 Alumni Award – Rhodes University (November 2022) Recognised as one of 50 distinguished alumni by the School of Journalism and Media Studies for professional excellence and societal contribution.

Majored in Journalism and Political Science. Recognized with the JMS50 Alumni Award for professional excellence and societal contribution.