10 years of excellence in the communications sector
A seasoned PR professional
Jairus Kapenda shares his experience and growth in the communications and public relations sector.
Jairus Kapenda joined the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) in 2014 as a public relations assistant. However, he quickly moved up in his corporate ladder, and in April 2023 became the communications and international relations manager.
Kapenda said his passion for storytelling and connecting with diverse audiences is what drew him to the communications industry.
“I have a strong desire to influence public perception and foster meaningful relationships that drive many entrants into this dynamic field."
Educational background
Kapenda graduated high school at Academia Secondary School in 2005 and went on to complete a diploma in information studies at the University of Namibia (Unam) in 2007.
In 2012, he completed an honour's degree in media studies, specialising in public relations and industrial psychology, also at Unam.
He then completed a postgraduate management development programme at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in 2017.
A year later, he obtained a certificate in social media marketing from the Red & Yellow Creative Business School.
Kapenda went on to obtain multiple qualifications such as a certificate in telecommunications policy regulations and management from the University of the Witwatersrand Link Centre in 2020 and project management foundation from the University of Cape Town in 2021, and he is a chartered public relations practitioner from the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA).
Furthermore, he graduated with a masters of journalism and media technology at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2022 and completed a certificate in transformational leadership from the African Leadership Institute (ALI) in 2023.
His role
Kapenda’s job includes ensuring and managing relevant market research and monitoring of information and communication technology trends both locally and internationally.
He is also tasked with analysing media coverage and designing mechanisms to always maintain a positive image of the organisation. Additionally, he ensures the effective communication of policies, using various effective communication mediums while managing CRAN’s brand reputation and management functions.
He creates and implements communication plans and strategies for the organisation.
Skill set
According to Kapenda, public relations practitioners should possess a diverse skill set to effectively engage with various stakeholders.
1. Strong verbal and written communication skills to enable clear massaging and compelling storytelling.
2. Critical thinking and strategic planning to allow practitioners to analyse situations and develop effective communication strategies.
3. Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms is vital for reaching a wider audience.
4. Interpersonal skills to foster relationship-building and networking opportunities.
5. Adaptability to help navigate dynamic environments.
6. A solid understanding of media relations and cultural awareness to further enhance the practitioner’s effectiveness in managing public perception and addressing diverse audience needs.
Challenges and achievements
The public relations and communications practitioner said in his 10 years at CRAN, he has identified specific key areas he wishes to improve on to ensure he executes his tasks effectively such as improving his time management skills.
He added that he is committed to balancing stakeholder expectations, managing crises and ensuring transparency, which are essential aspects of his role. “These challenges provide valuable opportunities to develop resilience and refine my strategic thinking, allowing me to lead communication efforts more effectively,” Kapenda said.
Besides facing some challenges, he noted that one of his biggest achievements was being honoured as the CRAN best team player in 2021/2022, as well as receiving the excellent performance award in 2022/2023.
When asked if he had any advice for the youth, he said: “Believe in your dreams and embrace the journey ahead. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and each step you take shapes your future".
He added that you should always remember that passion fuels progress and you should surround yourself with positivity, seek knowledge and never hesitate to chase your aspirations.
Kapenda said his passion for storytelling and connecting with diverse audiences is what drew him to the communications industry.
“I have a strong desire to influence public perception and foster meaningful relationships that drive many entrants into this dynamic field."
Educational background
Kapenda graduated high school at Academia Secondary School in 2005 and went on to complete a diploma in information studies at the University of Namibia (Unam) in 2007.
In 2012, he completed an honour's degree in media studies, specialising in public relations and industrial psychology, also at Unam.
He then completed a postgraduate management development programme at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in 2017.
A year later, he obtained a certificate in social media marketing from the Red & Yellow Creative Business School.
Kapenda went on to obtain multiple qualifications such as a certificate in telecommunications policy regulations and management from the University of the Witwatersrand Link Centre in 2020 and project management foundation from the University of Cape Town in 2021, and he is a chartered public relations practitioner from the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA).
Furthermore, he graduated with a masters of journalism and media technology at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2022 and completed a certificate in transformational leadership from the African Leadership Institute (ALI) in 2023.
His role
Kapenda’s job includes ensuring and managing relevant market research and monitoring of information and communication technology trends both locally and internationally.
He is also tasked with analysing media coverage and designing mechanisms to always maintain a positive image of the organisation. Additionally, he ensures the effective communication of policies, using various effective communication mediums while managing CRAN’s brand reputation and management functions.
He creates and implements communication plans and strategies for the organisation.
Skill set
According to Kapenda, public relations practitioners should possess a diverse skill set to effectively engage with various stakeholders.
1. Strong verbal and written communication skills to enable clear massaging and compelling storytelling.
2. Critical thinking and strategic planning to allow practitioners to analyse situations and develop effective communication strategies.
3. Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms is vital for reaching a wider audience.
4. Interpersonal skills to foster relationship-building and networking opportunities.
5. Adaptability to help navigate dynamic environments.
6. A solid understanding of media relations and cultural awareness to further enhance the practitioner’s effectiveness in managing public perception and addressing diverse audience needs.
Challenges and achievements
The public relations and communications practitioner said in his 10 years at CRAN, he has identified specific key areas he wishes to improve on to ensure he executes his tasks effectively such as improving his time management skills.
He added that he is committed to balancing stakeholder expectations, managing crises and ensuring transparency, which are essential aspects of his role. “These challenges provide valuable opportunities to develop resilience and refine my strategic thinking, allowing me to lead communication efforts more effectively,” Kapenda said.
Besides facing some challenges, he noted that one of his biggest achievements was being honoured as the CRAN best team player in 2021/2022, as well as receiving the excellent performance award in 2022/2023.
When asked if he had any advice for the youth, he said: “Believe in your dreams and embrace the journey ahead. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and each step you take shapes your future".
He added that you should always remember that passion fuels progress and you should surround yourself with positivity, seek knowledge and never hesitate to chase your aspirations.
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