About Du Maurier Communications
Kathy Malherbe has been in the PR industry as sole proprietor of Du Maurier Communications for 20 years. During this time the company has initiated and implemented communications strategies for a number of companies across a wide spectrum of industries but specialising in health and medical. This includes writing copy ranging from newsletters to opinion pieces, educational editorials, business profiles, press releases, case studies and brochures while targeting the correct media for publication.
Dorria Watt, the partner in Du Maurier Communications, has been in the PR industry for 20+ years specialising in consumer publicity and has an excellent grasp of the South African media landscape – electronic, print and online. She has also had years of experience in corporate and event publicity and is a freelance writer.
Current and recent clients
- Virgin Active South Africa,
- EOH Health and Wellness,
- Liberty,
- Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
- Life Healthcare,
- Stodels Nurseries,
- Virgin Money,
- Tenneco Automotive (international)
- M&C Saatchi Abel,
- Top Gear UK,
- Elizabeth Arden.
We offer the following services:
- Initiating and implementing communication strategies for corporates
- Extensive contacts in the media including radio and television
- Media liaison – both proactive and reactive
- Motivations for and arranging media interviews
- Researching, writing and distributing press releases and articles
- Writing of opinion pieces
- Writing for specific features and briefs
- Conceptualising, writing and co-ordination of brochures, pamphlets and newsletters
- Writing of opinion pieces and speeches
- Overseeing strategic events and arranging publicity
- Organising strategic media engagements
- Advising on media reactions resulting from media coverage
- Social media through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn
- Crisis Communication. Working with the client and providing back-up around crisis communication
- Attending regular meetings with various key marketing personnel and providing updates and reports
- Editing/proofreading assistance
- Overseeing of photography
- Liaison with approved outside contractors
- Strategic input – in line with the client’s business strategies for both internal and external communications
- Brainstorm and planning sessions around strategy and projects in order to prepare communications plans/launches
- Preparation of Q&As and holding statements and helping to prepare spokespeople for media interviews (in consultation with a media trainer)
Professional Affiliations
- Cape Town Press Club
- PR-Net
- Public Relations Institute of South Africa (PRISA)
- The South African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA)
- South African Science Journalists Association (SASJA)
- South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ)
Community Involvement:
- Part of a team which conceptualized and set up the Burns Rehabilitation Unit at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital together with the head of paediatric surgery, the chief anaesthetist and a burns rehabilitation and pain specialist. Worked on a voluntary basis on this project for five years.
- The ‘Doctors in Art’ art exhibition at the Life Hospitals where part of the proceeds are donated to charity. Organised editorial, interviews, features and general publicity on two occasions.