• Planning and conducting public relations programmes, explaining requirements and assigning tasks to own or freelance publicity writers.



• Arranging associated photography or obtaining illustrative materials for publication to create the most favourable publicity for the enterprise or institution.



• Representing the enterprise, institution or client in dealing with the press, radio, television and other publicity media and attending meetings and social or other functions.



• Using specific public-relations techniques to obtain desired publicity.



• Organizing exhibitions, conventions, competitions and social functions to promote goodwill and favourable publicity for the enterprise or institution.



• Advising management on a wide range of matters affecting an organisation’s internal and external relations.

Requirements

Secondary Education
A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to be admitted to South African universities. A HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is needed for enrolment at a South Africantechnikon.

UNAM requires a HIGCSE or IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects and a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale.Recommended subjects: Good marks in language (South Africa)Tertiary Education

A B. A. degree with Communication Studies or Journalism as a major subject, is offered at various universities in South Africa.

Rhodes University offers a degree in Journalism. UNAM offers a B. A. (Media Studies) degree, with Public Relations as a subject.

A N. Dip.: Public Relations can be studied at some technikons in South Africa. The PRISA Education Centre offers a three-year diploma in Public Relations through the Institute of Administration and Commerce (IAC). No such training is currently offered by the Polytechnic.

Personality
The prospective candidate should be people-oriented with leadership skills. The person should also have broad knowledge of human relations, communication science, an understanding of the characteristics of the population groups of the country, and possess sound judgement. Personal attributes include maturity, integrity, initiative, the ability to work under pressure, and an inquisitive and critical mind.

Work Opportunities
Public relations officers can be employed by any type of organization, government departments, control boards, municipalities, mining companies, charity organizations and a host of other commercial and industrial organizations.

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