Makarov Abotseng
Gaborone
Summary
Communications professional offering proven leadership in communications strategies to advance organizational vision and goals. Adept in all aspects of public relations, including media relations, internal communications, event planning, creative writing and stakeholder relations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Chief Content Officer
Oulde Chobe
Kasane
04.2020 - Current
- Developed creative strategies to drive innovation, engagement and growth of the brand.
- Established the Oulde Chobe-a Lifestyle Brand.
- Launched the Oulde Chobe Messenger Digital Magazine and associated online platforms.
- Launched the Annual Gentlemen's Affair- a community outreach geared towards men's mental wellness.
- Listed the Gentlemen's Affair with the Botswana Tourism Organization Calendar.
Government & Partner Relations Associate
Youth-Impact
Gaborone
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Managed key local and external partnerships to strengthen collaborations.
- Developed a database of high-level government contacts.
- Planned strategic meetings such as the launch of the organization's Brookings Report and Youth in Social Enterprises Talks during the Forbes Summit held in Gaborone.
- Led special projects with the government, such as educational broadcasting deal negotiations with the Ministry of Education.
Senior Public Relations Manager
Chobe District Council
Kasane
10.2018 - 02.2023
- Developed and implemented strategic public relations plans to promote the organization's brand, services, and products.
- Developed the Council's Communications Framework.
- Introduced Facebook Live Broadcast of Full Council Sessions.
- Introduced Mayor's Facebook Live Sessions.
- Launched the Council's Quarterly Digital Newsletter.
- Introduced GBV Reporting Hotline during the Covid-19 State of Emergency in Botswana.
Freelance Columnist
The Echo Newspaper
Gaborone
04.2016 - 08.2019
- Developed story ideas and wrote drafts for review by editor.
- Brainstormed content ideas through collaboration with editorial staff.
- Submitted social critique articles weekly.
- Assisted in marketing and raising the profile of the newspaper.
Senior Public Relations Manager
South East District Council
Ramotswa
08.2013 - 10.2018
- Developed and implemented strategic public relations plans to promote the organization's brand, services, and products.
- Developed the Council's Communications Plan.
- Launched Council's Quarterly Digital Newsletter.
- Launched Chairman's Fund to drive the Council's Corporate Social Responsibility mandate.
- Promoted South East District tourism hotspots through the Chairman's Trust Fund activities.
- As Focal Person and Board Member of Council's FIFA affiliated NGO-SEDA, facilitated trips for Youth Team to 2014 FIFA World Cup-Brazil and 2018 FIFA World Cup-Russia, and Liverpool FC Legends Tour.
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Local Government
Gaborone
09.2007 - 09.2013
- Created and distributed press releases, media kits and other promotional materials to targeted audiences.
- Established the Ministry's Batho Pele Brand.
- Established and edited the Ministry's Weekly Bulletin and Quarterly Magazine.
- Coordinated Ministry's E-Governance Initiatives, including Information Portal, Toll-Free, and digitalization of Newsletter.
- Established 16 District Council Call Centers in collaboration with Botswana Telecommunications Corporation.
- Compiled, edited, and published Ministry's Service Standards Booklet.
Acting Private Secretary to Minister
Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development
Gaborone
04.2010 - 05.2013
- Prepared agendas and made arrangements for committee meetings, conferences and other events.
- Facilitated Quarterly Kgotla meetings for the Assistant Minister in 64 Remote Area Villages.
- Facilitated Assistant Minister's interaction with other Government Entities, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
- Organized travel arrangements for business trips, including flight and train tickets, hotel bookings.
- Compiled reports, presentations and briefing materials as requested.
- Conducted research, compiled and typed statistical reports and synthesized information.
Education
Municipal Partnerships Training - Local Governance
International Centre For Local Democracy / Sweden
Sweden10.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media Studies
North-West University / RSA
12.2005
Skills
- Public Outreach
- Brand Activation
- Stakeholder Relations
- Creative Writing
- Social Media Management
- Event Coordination
- Media Relations
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
References
Stephen Motlogelwa,
Town Clerk- City of Francistown
Tel: +267 71453636
Email: smotlogelwa@gmail.com
Tigele Mokobi
Communications Manager- Botswana Innovation Hub
Tel: +267 71634302
Email: tmokobi@gmail.com
Quote
The first one gets the oyster, the second gets the shell
Andrew Carnegie
Timeline
Government & Partner Relations Associate
Youth-Impact
02.2023 - 07.2023
Freelance Chief Content Officer
Oulde Chobe
04.2020 - Current
Senior Public Relations Manager
Chobe District Council
10.2018 - 02.2023
Freelance Columnist
The Echo Newspaper
04.2016 - 08.2019
Senior Public Relations Manager
South East District Council
08.2013 - 10.2018
Acting Private Secretary to Minister
Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development
04.2010 - 05.2013
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Local Government
09.2007 - 09.2013
Municipal Partnerships Training - Local Governance
International Centre For Local Democracy / Sweden
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media Studies
North-West University / RSA
References
Stephen Motlogelwa,
Town Clerk- City of Francistown
Tel: +267 71453636
Email: smotlogelwa@gmail.com
Tigele Mokobi
Communications Manager- Botswana Innovation Hub
Tel: +267 71634302
Email: tmokobi@gmail.com
Similar Profiles
Mompati AroneMompati Arone
Head Tour Guide at AndBeyond - Chobe Under CanvasHead Tour Guide at AndBeyond - Chobe Under Canvas
Boniface DenestBoniface Denest
Senior Electrical Engineer at Chobe District CouncilSenior Electrical Engineer at Chobe District Council
Lerako KhumoetsileLerako Khumoetsile
Audit Supervisor at Alliant CPA AssociatesAudit Supervisor at Alliant CPA Associates