Cape Town Is Changing

This blog post reflects my experience at the PRISA (Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa) -Western Cape AGM meeting that I had attended (2013/05/28). Amongst the attendees were Btech Public Relations Management students from CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology), industry professionals and PRISA board members.

 

The AGM commenced with the Executive Director, Adele Paulsen reading the previous AGM meetings minutes, and hereafter further discussing the formalities and importance of such meetings. She addressed the problems, issues, PRISA student launch chapter, the annual report and other general points of importance that had occurred at previous happenings and encouraged the students in particular to get involved as members of the PRISA committee.

 

Hereafter, The Chairpersons speech by Mr Aloysious Gown had taken place, with him making mention of PRISA's efforts. What stood out was that the Western Cape was voted region of the year for three years in a row - what an accomplishment! He further elaborated that we are in need of regional growth and that AGM's are not the only platform of engagement for PRISA and Public Relations professionals. He also reflected on his last 12 months, and in this he was encouraging us to become members as this is but one of PRISA's main objectives, possible partnership opportunities and the importance of partnerships as this could increase the value pertained to PRISA members, as well as the SWOT analysis that was drawn. in closing he made mention of a very important factor, that they need to start evolving with the times as things are changing.

 

After The Chairpersons speech, the announcement of new nominees for the PRISA board had taken place. A huge well done to Alice Scott, one of CPUT's PT Btech students for being elected as apart of the PRISA teams student committee.

 

In closing special guest speaker, Alayne Reesberg, CEO of Cape Town Design, had provided us with a keynote address with regards to the WDC14 (World Design Capital 2014), and the ways in which this opportunity could reflect on the Public Relations industry as well as our city. in short World Design Capital 2014 is opportunity to identify, nurture and promote projects that offer tangible evidence of how design can improve lives.

Images supplied from: httpwww.icsid.orgnewsyear2013_newsarticles1659.htm

A few interesting words from Alayne pertaining to the WDC14, "its how design changes lives", " it makes visible the things that make Cape Town extraordinary", its the things that change lives", "design is not always about pretty things, its about the gritty things as well". To end she advised us as Public Relations professional that "as PR professionals you give a voice to those that don't have one", by this she meant that we need to do is go out into communities, research and find an opportunity to engage.

 

What are you going to do for WDC 2014? I've got an idea, ENGAGE!

I support the Cape Town 2014 World Design Capital,
do you?

For more information:

World Design Capital 2014
Website: http://www.capetown2014.co.za/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDC2014 or @wdc2014
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTown2014?ref=ts or wdc2014

PRISA
Website: http://www.prisa.co.za/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/1PRISA or @1prisa
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/PRISA/222555601106695 or PRISA