Phumelela Cacela

Intro

Cape Town, South Africa

Stakeholder Liaison at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

Joined September 4, 2024

Skills

About

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work in diverse sectors, from youth leadership to public administration. However, the achievement that stands out the most is my role as a Coordinator at the South African Youth Council from 2018 to 2022. During my tenure, I spearheaded several impactful initiatives, but one in particular holds significant importance due to its scope and the difference it made in young people's lives. In 2020, I led a national project aimed at increasing youth participation in local government decision-making processes. The initiative's objective was to create platforms for dialogue between youth representatives and municipal officials, ensuring that young people's voices were heard in policy-making and development planning. This project was launched at a crucial time when many communities were grappling with the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and young people were at risk of being left out of recovery plans. My role involved coordinating various stakeholders, including youth organizations, government officials, and community leaders. I managed everything from logistics to relationship building and conflict resolution. The project culminated in a series of virtual and in-person forums where youth leaders could engage directly with government officials, present their ideas, and propose solutions to challenges facing their communities. The initiative not only fostered better communication between the government and youth but also led to tangible outcomes. Several policies were amended to reflect the input of young people, and follow-up structures were established to ensure that youth engagement remained a priority in municipal planning. This project reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and grassroots advocacy. Being part of a movement that enabled young people to have a direct influence on policies that impact their lives was immensely fulfilling. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that enhanced my leadership, organizational, and negotiation skills. More importantly, it affirmed my passion for empowering youth and being a catalyst for positive change within communities. This achievement remains the highlight of my career as it encapsulates my commitment to making a meaningful impact through effective governance, strategic coordination, and youth empowerment.

Experience

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

Jan 2023 – Present

Port Elizabeth

Stakeholder Liaison

Stakeholder Liaison is responsible for managing and maintaining relationships between an organization and its key stakeholders, which may include clients, partners, government bodies, community groups, and other relevant parties. The role involves ensuring effective communication, addressing stakeholder concerns, and fostering strong partnerships to support the organization's goals and objectives

Nelson Mandela University

Jan 2022 – Dec 2022

Port Elizabeth

Project co ordinator

Assisted in running and coordinating projects for student entrepreneurs. Promoted employability, entrepreneurship, and networking between students and potential stakeholders

South African Youth Council

Jun 2018 – Dec 2021

Port Elizabeth

Project co ordinator

Mobilized resources to support youth programs and initiatives. Prepared detailed reports on project progress and outcomes. Youth Development: Experienced in coordinating youth development projects. Facilitation:Facilitator with strong facilitation skills. Presentation Skills: Proficient in delivering engaging presentations. Strategic Partnerships Management: Adept at managing and developing strategic partnerships.