NEWLY-APPOINTED City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane, has arrived with an impressive track record and a warm, friendly personality.
Deeply rooted in professional and ethical credo, Mdu is an award-winning language and communications specialist with strong journalistic roots.
Being used to the fast pace of the newsroom environment will come in handy in a corporate and administrative space where accountability is the order of the day.
His achievements in the Independent Newspapers group and provincial government, as well as the accolades he has garnered, attest to his work ethic.
Besides having conducted high profile interviews and covered ground-breaking developments throughout South Africa and the African continent, Mdu also had a stint overseas in Argentina.
He has a knack for identifying and qualifying developments that make headlines and is keen to be an inspiration and idol among his peers and industry colleagues.
Some of Mdu’s career highlights include:
• KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Journalist of the Year (2004)
• Covered the Federation of International Tourism (FIT) 2009: Argentina
• 2009 and 2010 – KZN judge for Eteya Awards – representing the media industry
• Covered the centenary celebrations for the African National Congress (ANC): Mangaung, January 2012
• Covered political policy and general conference, including Polokwane (2007) and Mangaung (2012) for the ANC.
His reporting career saw him interact with high profile and influential individuals, including President Jacob Zuma, former President Thabo Mbeki, King Goodwill Zwelithini Zulu and KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu.
Mdu’s flare for thought provoking debate and deep seated love for development, has also seen him engaging counterparts and colleagues on political platforms.
In August 2013, Mdu founded the ILembe Foundation, an NPO established on the basis of pioneering successful socio-economic development initiatives through partnering with stakeholders across all sectors – all for the betterment of the lives of people.
A family man, he is married with four children and particularly enjoys travelling and adventurous activities in his free time.
