Karabo Timba

Strategic stakeholder relations and Marketing Professional with over 12 years of experience driving brand visibility, revenue increase, public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration across national education, development, and media landscapes. Holds advanced qualifications including a Postgraduate Diploma In management, Advance Diploma in Project Management, Diploma in Advertising, Brand Management Certification, and a PRISA-accredited Public Relations Certificate.

Stakeholder and Marketing Manager at Rosebank College (2019-06 – Present)

• Manage branding, advertising, and public relations efforts for the Limpopo campus, enhancing visibility across media, schools, and local communities.
• Develop strategic public relations plans and create press releases for media and stakeholders' distribution.
• Lead, manage and mentor a 45-member cross-functional team (5 Officers, 35 Brand Ambassadors, 5 Call Centre Agents), drive high-impact marketing and outreach activities.
• Building, nurturing and sustaining meaningful relationships across diverse alumni and stakeholder groupings.
• Currently the spokesperson and host within the organization in Polokwane.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with over 150 key stakeholders including the Department of Education, Traditional leaders, Political parties, NYDA, Seta's, Business forums, Municipalities, NGOs and Funders (Namely; Fundi, Student Hero, Absa, Capitec and Hollywoodbets).
• Creating employment opportunities and networking platforms for alumni to connect and receive empowerment.
• Oversee the development and coordination of events such as Career Expos, Open Days, Parents Days, and World Teachers' Day, enhancing brand affinity.
• Manage digital presence and engagement across social media platforms and podcast production (Masters Podcast), growing online reach across Limpopo and South Africa.
• Manage marketing/event budgets and ensure 100% compliance in expenditure tracking and reconciliations.
• Improve customer relationship management by resolving 95% of all queries within service level agreements (SLAs).

Stakeholder Relations & Project Manager at National Empowerment Fund (2013-01 – 2019-04)

• Rolled out NEF's Investor Education Program across all 9 provinces, engaging over 10,000 entrepreneurs, youth, and women in agriculture and tourism sectors.
• Initiated partnerships with government entities (DTI, FSCA, NCR), municipalities, and political forums, facilitating inclusive stakeholder engagement strategies.
• All SMME's across South Africa were well informed and empowered to access the NEF's Investor Fund for their growth and sustainability.
• Developed and hosted over 500 small business workshops, increasing public knowledge on NEF funding access and compliance.
• Managed logistics, venue sourcing, and service provider coordination for province-wide seminars, adhering to strict project timelines and budgets.
• Delivered consistent project ROI reporting and post-event evaluations, aligning with NEF's strategic goals.
• Coordinated media partnerships (radio, newspapers, online platforms) to increase program visibility and audience reach.
• Mobilized religious, traditional, and community leaders to support public information campaigns in underserved areas.

Journalist & Television Presenter at SABC 2 – Living Land Agriculture Show (2011-07 – 2017-04)

• Served as on-screen presenter and field journalist for a nationally broadcast agricultural show, covering emerging farming initiatives across South Africa and SADC regions.
• Produced and scripted episodes in English, Afrikaans, and Northern Sotho, ensuring accurate translation and local engagement.
• Managed coordination of national filming schedules, including location scouting, budget management, and stakeholder liaison.
• Advocated for youth participation in agriculture by profiling over 150 farmers and funding institutions.
• Contributed to national awareness campaigns supporting sustainable farming and entrepreneurship in rural communities.

Postgraduate Diploma in Management – Westford University College (2025)

Advanced Diploma in Project Management – Cranefield College Pretoria (2024)

Certificate in Brand Management – University of Cape Town (UCT Online) (2021)

Certificate in Public Relations – PRISA (2006)

Diploma in Advertising – Rosebank College Pretoria (2004)

Matriculated – Taxila Secondary (2001)