UNIZULU Appoints New Director for Communications and Marketing

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is pleased to announce the appointment of the Communications and Marketing (CMD) Director, Siyanda Mntambo with effect from 1 February 2024. Mntambo is a seasoned communicator who has been with the University since 2019.

Prior to his appointment, the newly appointed Director worked for the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism as a communications officer between 2005 and 2009, where he was an allrounder working as a journalist, graphic designer, photographer and doing media liaison.  The opportunity came early in 2009 where he was appointed by the KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) as an Assistant Director: Web Management and later converted to Assistant Director: Corporate Communications due to his evident passion for the communications space. He worked at EDTEA for 10 years and it was enough to get him recognition by the interview panel for the position of Manager: Communications and Marketing in 2019. He worked as a manager for just over four years, his commitment, hard work, and resilience eventually earning him his appointment as Acting Director: Communications and Marketing in 2023 and subsequently Director for Communications and Marketing.

He is admitted as a Public Relations Practitioner by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA).

Mntambo reports directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support. His role is about driving the strategic imperatives of communications and marketing, repositioning the brand and image of the University. He will be driving stakeholder engagement and maintaining the ‘friend-relationship’ with local, national, and international stakeholders. Additionally, he will maintain the online presence and broadcast initiatives (UNIZULU web presence, social media platforms, video and podcast production, live streaming). He will focus on crisis communications and media relations as well.

Outlining what he envisions for the CMD, he said that he would like to implement the Communications and Marketing strategy, communication policies, and drive the “Node for African thought” imperatives.

“I also want CMD to continue producing quality work in graphics, publications, schools, events, and multimedia. I want quality e-communications systems and to promote internal communications and togetherness, whereby staff and students can be able to protect the brand,” explained Mntambo.

His management style is that of a democratic leader as he believes in allowing colleagues to bring input from their expertise and it helps him to create the togetherness in the team. “At CMD I introduced the culture of working as a team and towards each other and as a result everyone contributes to each other’s roles.  I let people shine and give them support, hence the unison in the CMD team.  I am that leader who is hands-on, and I work in a team and with the team. I still install and dismantle the banners, irrespective of the portfolio I hold. I am not a ‘tie’ or ‘don’t touch’ leader.”

Acknowledging the mammoth task that lies ahead, he emphasised that he draws much comfort in knowing that he inherits a vibrant team that brings to the table a variety of individual strengths and that all he must do is harness them for the project at hand.

To unwind, the communicator hangs around with the guys or his brother to watch sports or go to church.  

• Story by Precious Shamase
• Picture by James Thwala