Media and Communications Intern — Surplus People Project,
Cape Town, South Africa — February 2024 – May 2024

At Surplus People Project, I worked at the intersection of storytelling and strategy. My job was to help the organization show up more powerfully—online and on the ground.

Bringing Stories to Life
I created over 50 multimedia pieces, videos, infographics, and photo stories, all tailored to highlight the organization’s work in land justice and social equity. Each piece was designed with one goal in mind: to make people care. That work paid off. Engagement across our digital platforms rose by 170% during my time.

Building Our Voice on LinkedIn
I launched and managed the organization’s LinkedIn page from scratch. In a few months, we reached over 700 followers—people who are now more aware and connected to the work we do. This wasn’t just about numbers; it was about giving the organization a platform where it could speak to decision-makers and partners with clarity and professionalism.

Showing Up for Communities
I also supported 8 outreach events, helping with planning, coordination, and post-session engagement. I made sure participants felt heard—collecting feedback, answering questions, and building trust. As a result, turnout grew by 15% from one event to the next.

Making Social Media Matter
I managed our social media pages, posting consistently and shaping content that resonated. Within weeks, we saw a 60% boost in followers and a 30% increase in engagement. I didn’t just post—I listened, adapted, and stayed close to what mattered to our audience.

Staying Ahead
Every week, I tracked digital trends and tested new content ideas. That ongoing work helped us grow our monthly reach by 20% and stay relevant in a fast-moving space.

My time at Surplus People Project reminded me that good communication isn’t about noise, it’s about clarity, intention, and connection.