The year 2022 will be extremely busy for public relations specialists, as more sectors than ever before are migrating to remote work, says Mkhuseli Vangile, managing director of The Dynaste Communication Firm (DCF). As such, several PR companies will be expected to offer a far broader range of services than in previous years, adds Vangile. 

Converse South Africa has rebranded its '#Kickthedebt' student debt relief campaign to 'Create Next'. The campaign will strive to help alleviate a portion of student debt by making a difference for youth.

Ogilvy PR has announced that it has appointed experienced marketing and communications professional Samantha Presbury as its new managing director. Presbury will be responsible for both the Cape Town and Johannesburg PR offices. She comes to the company from MSL, where she was MD for six years after holding a senior leadership position at Magna Carta.

InPulse has launched Unity Generation, a mobile app that aims to build a sense of community and unite those who want to change the world for the better and to uplift communities. The app features an in-app marketplace, where proceeds generated are donated to organisations that support the causes the communities are passionate about.

Dear PR pro, it is time to say "I'm not like a regular PR, I'm a cool PR pro!" With the help from the Mean Girls cast, media update’s Talisa Carlson is here to tell you that you can reach all your goals because the limit does not exist! Ready to step into the world of the 'plastics'? Let's do it:

Entries have opened for the Cresta Climate Challenge, a global competition for young creatives organised by the Cresta Awards. The initiative aims to highlight emerging creative talents while harnessing their abilities in tackling climate change inactivism.

One of the biggest takeaways of 2021 is that agencies and public relations consultants have had to reinvent themselves, says Jean Harkett, managing director at Storybook Brand Communication Consultancy. Harkett adds that they face the new reality of shrinking newsrooms, the increase in fake news and a rapidly evolving social media space. 

Cotlands has announced that it is hosting a Charity Golf Day. The initiative aims to raise funds to provide children access to quality play-based toy libraries and playgroup opportunities before they start formal schooling. The fundraising event will take place on Thursday, 17 February at the Johannesburg Country Club.

The Mustadafin Foundation has announced that it is hosting a fundraising initiative called 'Fish with us for a purpose, to feed a mind and feed a belly'. The organisation is an NGO that is working with under-resourced communities in the Western, Eastern Cape, as well as Eden Karoo district. The event aims to be a fun open-fishing competition fundraiser that is suitable for families.

Mental health in PR has never been as important as it is right now. Why? Well, the industry and working environments have changed with the coming of the new year. Because of this, PR pros should focus more on mental health and make this the best year yet.