Looking for a job

Zamalisa Mdoda

@zamalisamdoda

Message

I build cultural campaigns, stories and productions across media, entertainment and live performance.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to shape cultural, entertainment and media ideas into audience-facing campaigns, stories and productions, combining creative strategy with end-to-end delivery across multidisciplinary teams.

I’ve built cultural storytelling, campaign platforms and audience-facing work through Dark Continent Media, AFROPUNK, Africa Matters Initiative and TSUMO Network. My work spans brand positioning, creative direction, editorial strategy, pitch materials and production workflows across South Africa and international markets.

I translate ideas into scripts, campaigns and live experiences, from a CannesSeries television project presented to StudioCanal and Vivendi to an international one-woman production staged at Edinburgh Fringe, Camden Fringe and Baxter Theatre.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Co-founder / Chief Creative Officer

Current

TSUMO Network

Jan 2026 - Present (8 months)

Lead creative design, brand positioning, and audience strategy for an early-stage creator-owned media and technology platform. Secured access to a database of 350,000+ African creatives through a strategic collaboration.

Creative Direction Brand Strategy Audience Strategy Project Management Stakeholder Communication

Current

Writer / Producer / Performer

Current

Dreamatorium Productions

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 8 months)

Conceptualized, co-wrote, produced, and performed an international one-woman production. Coordinated rehearsal plans, production logistics, and audience engagement across multiple festivals.

Creative Writing Production Performance Audience Engagement

Current

Founder / Creative Strategist / Creative Director

Current

Dark Continent Media

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 8 months)

Built an independent practice spanning cultural strategy, brand storytelling, and creative direction. Translate cultural insight into positioning, narrative systems, and market-facing pitch materials.

Brand storytelling Creative Direction Pitch Development

Media Program Manager

Africa Matters Initiative

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Restructured the Media Portfolio into a digital storytelling programme and directed video-led content strategy. Relaunched Youth Voices magazine and produced AMI Podcast Season 2 end to end.

Content Strategy Editorial Planning Podcast Production Social Media Project Management

Selected Screenwriter

CannesSeries Talent Unlimited

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 (1 year 11 months)

Selected as one of six international writers to develop an original television project. Delivered a half-hour pilot, series framework, and pitch materials for StudioCanal consideration.

Screenwriting Pitching Storytelling

Staff Writer / Photographer

AFROPUNK

Jan 2018 - Dec 2020 (2 years 11 months)

Created 300+ features, editorials, interviews, and photo essays, contributing to a 25% increase in site readership. Interviewed artists and hosted AFROPUNK Liberation Sessions.

Writing Photography Editorial Interviewing Social Media

Social Media Manager

New Perspectives Theatre Company

Jan 2017 - Dec 2018 (1 year 11 months)

Directed theatre marketing, visual storytelling, and digital communications for productions amplifying underrepresented voices.

Social Media Marketing Visual Storytelling Digital Communication

Associate Producer

One Man and His Dog Films / SABC1

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 11 months)

Supported a nationally broadcast youth panel show through episode research, guest development, and production logistics in a deadline-driven environment.

Production Research Guest Development Logistics