Open to opportunities

Mbusi Mzolo

@mbusimzolo

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Communications and creative director specializing in research-driven storytelling and project management.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I seek roles leading creative communications and research-driven projects, offering strategic impact, collaborative culture, and opportunities for cultural engagement and growth.

I am a communications professional and creative director with extensive experience in research-driven storytelling, project management, and digital communications. I have developed communications strategies, managed social media and content, and produced copy for websites, campaigns, and exhibitions.

My work spans consulting, gallery publicity, writing for magazines, and coordinating cultural and tourism events, with notable projects including research for uMqombothi and writing exhibition statements. I combine editorial skill with product and project development to deliver culturally informed outputs.

I hold a Bachelor's in Mass Communication and additional certificates in Business Development and Innovative Leadership, and I seek roles where I can lead creative communications, research projects, and strategic outreach that center cultural context and audience engagement.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Communications Consultant

Current

Mzolo

Oct 2024 - Present (1 year)

Provide communications, research, project management and creative direction services for cultural and arts projects, producing digital communications strategies and research outputs for multiple initiatives.

Communications Strategy Research Project Management Creative Direction Social Media Management Copywriting Content Creation Stakeholder Engagement

Current

Creative and Communications Consultant

Current

Unlearn To Learn KZN

Aug 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Developed communications strategies, managed social media and projects, and provided creative direction to support KZN cultural initiatives and campaigns.

Communications Strategy Social Media Management Project Management Creative Direction Content Strategy Copywriting Stakeholder Management

Current

Creative Consultant

Current

Contemporary Archive Project

Jul 2024 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Led project management, product development, research, creative writing and product design tasks to advance archive-related cultural products and services.

Project Management Product Development Research Creative Writing Product & Design Customer Service Documentation

Writer

Mel Media & Productions

Feb 2025 - Mar 2025 (1 month)

Authored the uMgonqo exhibition statement for a photography and cultural production presentation, delivering exhibition text and interpretive copy.

Exhibition Writing Copywriting Content Development

Publicity Officer

KZNSA Gallery

Feb 2024 - Dec 2024 (10 months)

Managed digital content and publicity, producing website copy, artist bios, press materials, e-newsletters and WordPress updates to drive gallery visibility and media relations.

Public Relations Content Management Copywriting WordPress Newsletter Production Social Media Management

Facilitator

African Fashion Research Institute

Aug 2024 - Aug 2024 (0 months)

Conducted research, interviews and hosted a designer conversation while coordinating project activities for a fashion research programme.

Facilitation Research Interviewing Project Coordination Event Hosting Stakeholder Engagement

Freelance Writer

Self Employed

Oct 2023 - Mar 2024 (5 months)

Provided freelance writing services for cultural and media publications, delivering researched features and editorial content aligned with brand voice.

Feature Writing Research Editorial Content Strategy

Customer Service Representative

CCI South Africa

Nov 2022 - Oct 2023 (11 months)

Processed orders and transactions, troubleshooted technical issues, handled customer complaints and analysed feedback to track service KPIs.

Customer Service Order Processing Troubleshooting KPI Tracking Data Analysis CRM

Features Writer

Retro Retro Magazine

Feb 2019 - Jan 2020 (11 months)

Researched and wrote engaging feature articles tailored to brand voice, applying media knowledge to produce attention-grabbing stories.

Feature Writing Research Storytelling Content Planning

Events Coordinator

Msunduzi Municipality

Jul 2016 - Jan 2019 (2 years 6 months)

Planned and coordinated tourism events by researching market trends and regulations, managing teams and producing communications using Microsoft Office and Photoshop.

Event Coordination Team Management Market Research Microsoft Office Adobe Photoshop Scheduling

Features Writer

Beads Magazine

Sep 2016 - May 2018 (1 year 8 months)

Researched and wrote feature stories aligned with editorial standards and audience engagement strategies for the magazine.

Feature Writing Research Editorial Standards

Marketing Officer

RapidLion

Mar 2015 - Mar 2016 (1 year)

Identified marketing channels for audience development, conducted research and data analysis, managed newsletter production via WordPress and Mailchimp.