Martin
Slabbert
Journalist
Writer
Editor
Communications strategist
On the record
Anchoring a news bulletin • Writing an opinion piece • Editing an annual report • Shaping a communication strategy • Working through a reputational issue • Preparing a spokesperson • Placing a story • Anchoring a news bulletin • Writing an opinion piece • Editing an annual report • Shaping a communication strategy • Working through a reputational issue • Preparing a spokesperson • Placing a storyAnchoring a news bulletin • Writing an opinion piece • Editing an annual report • Shaping a communication strategy • Working through a reputational issue • Preparing a spokesperson • Placing a story • Anchoring a news bulletin • Writing an opinion piece • Editing an annual report • Shaping a communication strategy • Working through a reputational issue • Preparing a spokesperson • Placing a story
Introduction
I’ve spent my career working with words.
Some days that means anchoring a news bulletin. Other days it means writing an opinion piece, editing an annual report, developing a communication strategy or helping an organisation work through a reputational issue.
Journalism remains central to what I do. As a news anchor with Eyewitness News, I work in a fast-moving newsroom where accuracy, context and sound judgement matter every day.
Alongside that, I work with organisations, agencies and individuals across writing, editing and strategic communication. The work varies, but the fundamentals don’t: understand the context, ask the right questions and be clear about what the communication needs to achieve.
Martin Slabbert
The work
Newsrooms · Studios · Boardrooms · Podiums
How I can help
Sometimes I’m brought in to write. Sometimes to edit. Sometimes to shape an idea before anyone starts writing. And sometimes, I’m brought in earlier still: to help work out what you’re trying to achieve, who you need to reach, and how best to communicate with them.
Writing
Articles, speeches, snippets, quotes, websites, opinion pieces, thought leadership, annual reports, and more. Both for Owned or Earned.
Editorial
Editing, proofreading, publication development and content structuring.
Strategic Communication
Strategy, stakeholder communication, messaging and strategic communication guidance.
Media Relations
Media engagement (liaison for placement, media briefings or use of my network as required), narrative development and content placement.
Media Training
Preparing executives and spokespeople for interviews and public engagement.
Reputation & Issues
Support when organisations are navigating complex or sensitive issues.
The principle
Good communication doesn’t start with words. It starts with understanding the objective, the audience and the context. The words follow.
Thirty years across newsrooms,
Parliament and boardrooms
– Martin
Organisations
Different sectors. Different audiences. Different challenges. Each requiring communication shaped around the context and the people it needs to reach.
• City of Cape Town • Philip Morris South Africa • Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway • SAPVIA • Scatec • Kearney Africa • Dss+• City of Cape Town • Philip Morris South Africa • Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway • SAPVIA • Scatec • Kearney Africa • Dss+
• City of Cape Town • Philip Morris South Africa • Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway • SAPVIA • Scatec • Kearney Africa • Dss+• City of Cape Town • Philip Morris South Africa • Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway • SAPVIA • Scatec • Kearney Africa • Dss+
Experience
Newsrooms, Parliament, agencies and broadcasting studios.
Some days that means anchoring a news bulletin. Other days it means writing an opinion piece, editing an annual report, developing a communication strategy or helping an organisation work through a reputational issue.
I’ve found that working across disciplines makes each one stronger. Journalism sharpens strategy. Strategy gives writing purpose. Editing teaches you what can be left out.
In the booth · Eyewitness News
Contact
Looking for a writer, editor, journalist, communications strategist or media trainer? Equally, if your project doesn’t fit neatly into a category – let’s have a conversation.
Sometimes, a project needs more than one skill.
