Writes Victor Sibeko

Week one of PRISA Professional Development Programme has come and gone. Practitioners will be facing new hurdles in the form of work-place practicals and written assignments. We are delighted about this eventuality that afforded practitioners an opportunity to go back to their workplace and apply the knowledge they have gained. It is precisely the reason why we recommend and encourage professional development because it serves and provide a real time lifelong learning.

The first week of the ten days designed training went extremely well with good attendance. As a facilitator I concur with other facilitators and share the excitement at the level of practitioners’ enthusiasm and robust engagement. The first week modules were well received and carried positive merits and accolades in all three classes viz. Basic Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Practice and Public Relations Management.

In all honestly I was pleasantly impressed with the practitioners’ experience. What stood out was the commitment towards achieving high standards that we set and the desire to achieve more.

Furthermore I was delighted at their efforts, interest and participation. They were impeccable and it is this type of attitude and behaviour that we are looking for in the Public Relations practitioners new generation in order to achieve the successes on the job and personal growth.

We are confident about practitioners that go through PRISA development programmes to keep up the good professional standards from now onwards. Certainly with the current facilitators and the new breed joining us will join me in grooming professional practitioners to make significant changes in their organisations. Below is Zodwa Mdluli (left) who had one-on-one with the facilitator Lindi Goodfellow (right) catching up with class exercises.

There were various moments that brought mixed feelings, laughter, frustrations from those practitioners whose efforts were not appreciated, roles not understood and expertise not put into good practice. The practitioners poured their hearts out wishing that their ability could be realised and put into good use, especially after training.

All they wish for is to be able to apply what they have learned. In this case all the practitioners need is courage to face their managers and deal with the resistant managers, especially senior practitioners studying management.

PRISA extends its gratitude to the Professional Development Programmes coordinators Claudia Brittoe and Annah Jordan for all the administration. To the facilitators Nox Mafu, Lindy Goodfellow, Amie Hunter, Georg Knox, Irma Meyer and Peter van der Schyff, thank you.

We also acknowledge our host, training venue Little Tuscany Boutique Hotel -management and all staff. Special thanks to the chefs for your contribution towards our successful week long. You helped us incredibly in making this ground breaking week a real success. To all the practitioners keep up the energy, good work and we hope that we can receive the same efforts and commitment in the second week set to take place