In the fast-paced world of public relations and fashion, one name stands out as a true brand engineer, a celebrity agent, and a global publicist par excellence - Simphiwe Majola. Boasting a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in various sectors, including fashion, beauty, design, FMCG, broadcast, and government, Majola has established himself as a consummate PR professional. Often referred to as a "boutique agent" for developing public relations strategies, Majola's expertise has been sought after by numerous well-known celebrities and brands. From the inception of a campaign to its flawless execution, Majola adds his golden touch, ensuring resounding success at every step. His name is synonymous with the most triumphant events and campaigns, elevating them to new heights of excellence. In terms of being one of the best PR guru’s, what is your typical day like? (From the moment you wake up to when you shut your eyes to sleep):
Answer: )I adhere to a strict itinerary comprised of longer days and even shorter nights, typified by administrative competence. The mail trickles in around 04:00 am. I prepare at least three separate outfits to match the demands of the day ahead. I use bath time as a moment to myself; I need to preserve an even mind. I usually attend early morning status meetings or client briefings on campaign strategy during breakfast. I then present my entertainment / lifestyle trends radio slot on Ukhozi FM. Mid-morning I'll drop into a tertiary institution to conduct a career seminar, or take one of my celebrity clients for social involvement speaking engagements. Midday, I'll be taking lunch with a prospective client who seeks to solicit my services.
Mid-afternoon, I might meet potential sponsors for endorsement deals, or be matching a personality to a brand. I might even squeeze in an all-white social engagement thereafter. Early evening, I visit the location of an event to audit the ambience and layout. Then, I secure pre-event publicity and attend to media follow-ups and inquiries in the press room, before returning home to change into appropriate evening attire. I head to OR Tambo Airport to receive an international client. I keep things ticking over precise requisite in the event background and secure after-show interviews, then attend the after party. I have a really late dinner with friends and return home to attend client correspondence. Before I realise it, I'm already well into the early hours of the next morning...
What has been the work experience you have ever had while on the job:
Answer: ) Where Murphy's Law was inapplicable; it just wouldn't take during a complex and prestigious brand activation exercise.
Question: Between PR and Fashion, which one is your favourite and why?
Answer: Both are the loves of my life and they feed off of each other so naturally. RememberPR is a valuable communication tool for fashion and lifestyle brands. We use PR methods to raise brand awareness and generate shifts in brand perceptions. The PR's job is to modify the attitudes and perceptions of consumers towards products or brands.
Question: What has been your most favourite PR campaign recently, and what was it all about?
Answer: I have lots, but the most outstanding one even now was The Fenty Beauty SA by Rihanna -launch campaign. It was about a makeup brand for all women regardless of skin tone. Fenty feels like it's pushing the boundaries and delving into something uniquely progressive and fresh.
Simphiwe has worked with influential and highly successful celebrities and continues to do so. Some of the big names associated with Simphiwe include: Felicia Mabuza-Suttle; Lebo M; Basetsana Kumalo; bonang matheba; Pearl Thusi; Uyanda Mbuli; Winnie Ntshaba; -
please refer to my profile!!
Among the remarkable campaigns under Majola's belt, notable mentions include The Zulu Monarch - His Majesty King Misuzulu, Fenty Beauty SA By Rihanna, Greatest Love Of All - Belinda Davids, Durban Tourism, Royalty Soapie Awards, and Orange Farm Empower Youth Week, TETA, SANAC, SALGA to name a few. Additionally, Majola has collaborated with esteemed entities such as Joburg Theatre, Cell-C Sound of the City, Ster-Kinekor, Mifone, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, 5FM, SAFM, BBC Foods, and Castle Lite (for concerts featuring Drake, Kanye West, J Cole, and Timberland), among many others. Majola's portfolio also includes prestigious events like SANAA Africa Arts Festival and SA Fashion Week.In addition to collaborating with esteemed personalities, Simphiwe emerges as the mastermind behind the ground-breaking television program, "Turning Point." This captivating series serves as an anthology of narratives, narrated by a diverse range of remarkable individuals whose lives have undergone irrevocable transformations as a result of one pivotal decision, propelling them towards a path of resounding success. With a keen focus on influential moguls, prominent figures in the public eye, ambitious entrepreneurs, forward-thinking trailblazers, the prosperous elite, exceptional youth, and inspiring role models across Africa, the show encapsulates the essence of their extraordinary journeys. Question: In the current state of the industry where influencers are the considered partners in driving campaigns, what is your take on it and how is that affecting the old traditional way of doing things?
Answer: Everyone has a role to play in the entertainment industry. The only thing constant in the world is change and we all have to learn to adapt. Personally, I love how Influencers have created their own mark in a unique manner. I think mixing both Influencers with a traditional touch will always work in the end. Both elements play a major role, it’s the “How” and “Execution” that matters the most.
Question: What is your favourite mix of attire and what traditional looks makes the best looks to represent a South African wherever they go?
Answer: I’m an African, therefore, I like representing most African cultures creating one unique fashion look or statement
Question: How has staying humble and minding your own has influenced your journey positively in the industry?
Answer: ) Never abandon your humility. You can't be arrogant towards the public in one instance; then, turn around and ask them to patronise the brand you are promoting, in another. The biggest way to have a lasting impact in the industry is by being authentic, humble and hardworking. One has to understand that your work and aura will always speak for themselves, so be kind and treat everyone with respect.
Reflecting on his journey through the South African entertainment industry, Majola's impact has been profound. For 20 years, he has been extensively involved in the SA Style Awards and has spent 13 years associated with the prestigious GQ Best Dressed Men of the Year, GQ Men Of The Year Awards, GQ Men Of The Year Awards and the Glamour Woman of the Year Awards. These experiences have solidified his position as a fashion expert. In addition, Majola served as a fashion expert on the largest radio station in the country, Ukhozi FM, for four years.Simphiwe Majola's remarkable journey through the South African entertainment industry showcases his unwavering dedication, unrivaled expertise, and pioneering spirit. As a PR guru and fashion aficionado, Majola continues to shape the industry's narrative, leaving an indelible mark on every venture he undertakes. Question: Before we wrap it up, what can the public looking forward to in your upcoming moves or projects?
Answer: Something big is definitely on the horizon, watch this space.
For the young PR Specialists what is the one thing you would like them to never forget?
Answer: ) Almost doesn't count. You must be there to be lucky. No matter the magnitude of setback, it should never erode your conviction. Don't spend much time wallowing in what you couldn't do; rather, focus on what you can meanwhile and the rest will follow.
What is the one motto you live by in terms of this career:
Answer: ) Never abandon your humility. You can't be arrogant towards the public in one instance then, turn around and ask them to patronise the brand you are promoting, in another.
Working relationships: who makes your dream team? What have been defining challenges:
Answer: ) Entrepreneurial personalities imbued with clarity of convictions. Assembling the ideal blend of personnel with the threshold capacity in taking ownership of the intangible publicity service and packaging it into tangible brand necessities. It's been difficult empowering assertiveness about misgivings when executive decisions dwell on the wrong side of being right.
How do you balance your work and personal life:
Answer: ) I establish rigorous parameters which prevent one from encroaching on the other. I maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle by apportioning adequate time for fulfilling both aspects crucial to my being.
When do you get a chance to switch of the publicist hat:
Answer: ) When I'm surrounded by family and friends, especially back at our formative homestead in KwaZulu-Natal, eMbulwane, a semi-rural area on the outskirts of the Steadville Township in Ladysmith.
Question: Lastly, what can you advise the upcoming PR and Fashionista’s about the importance of going for what they want in life. (Word of advice):
Answer: ): Almost doesn't count. You must be there to be lucky. No matter the magnitude of setback, it should never erode your conviction. Don't spend much time wallowing in what you couldn't do; rather, focus on what you can meanwhile and the rest will follow. I had the honour and privilege to work with the youngest professor in the world, (@sobornobari) Soborno Isaac Bari who was bestowed the Da Vinci Institute Laureate: Social Architecture. The nine year-old Asian-American author and academic who is now thirteen, was recognised for his singular contribution to the redefinition of society internationally and creating an equitable ecosystem that facilitates self-directedness and embraces unity in diversity.
