IIE Higher Certificate in Communication Practices Winners

Students enrolled in The IIE Higher Certificate in Communication Practices the Westville campus recently put their creativity, strategic thinking, communication skills and theoretical knowledge to the test during a real-world simulation. As part of their final Work Integrated Learning (WIL) assignment, they acted as marketing consultants tasked with developing a marketing and communication plan for their simulated client – The IIE’s Varsity College. Team Majan Consultants was selected by an independent panel as the overall winning team.

Working in groups of five, the students pitched their strategies - supported by a creative campaign video - to what they believed was the brand’s National Executive team. Their goal? To convince the “Head of Marketing” that their strategy was both viable and effective. “The students’ WIL presentations were a demonstration of their growth, learning and readiness to engage with the professional world,” said Danille Janse van Vuuren (Head of Humanities at the Westville campus).

Team Majan Consultants consisted of Megan Mabvurunge, Juana Naidu, Andiswa Nkosi, Awande Nkunzi and Naledi Tshezi. The groups developed their research, strategies and campaigns from the start of the second semester. Naidu said completing this WIL presentations later in the year helped strengthen their teamwork. “It gave us time to get to know one another and made collaborating easier. We focussed on each other’s strengths, and I think that’s why we did well,” she said.

Mabvurunge added that the team was grateful for their lecturer Thando Mkhize’s guidance and feedback before the final presentation.

“We were very nervous before our presentation, but once we began, the nerves eased and afterwards, we felt proud of our work,” said Tshezi.

Nkunzi said the qualification had given them valuable real-world experience. “I’m able to apply what I’ve learnt this year outside the lecture room. I feel like we can now tackle anything,” he said.

Each group received detailed feedback from the judging panel. Tshezi said she appreciated the constructive criticism, noting that it came from professionals with industry experience.

The judging panel included Maya Jagjivan (former journalist and now Senior Copywriter at CCI Global), Gina Hooper (Student Life Co-ordinator at the Westville campus) who recently completed her Master’s degree in Communication Science from the University of New South Wales, and Gabi Alessandri (Career Services Specialist at the Durban North campus) who has a background in Industrial Psychology and Labour Law and experience in Recruitment and Human Resources.

Jagjivan encouraged students to embrace their individuality. “Know your worth. Own your space. Don’t lose your authenticity and individuality, and don’t think that your ideas aren’t good enough. Think big and dream big”.

Reflecting on the experience, Thando Mkhize (Faculty of Humanities Lecturer at the Westville campus) said: “It was inspiring to witness the students articulate their ideas with such confidence, creativity and professionalism. Their presentations reflected not only a strong command of academic theory but also a deep, practical understanding of their industry. This successful integration of knowledge is proof of the immense value the Work Integrated Learning component adds to their qualification, preparing them to make an immediate impact”.

A Higher Certificate is a one year qualification that provides students with the academic foundation and practical skills needed for further study or to begin their careers. It also serves as a bridging programme into a degree, helping students meet the entry requirements and transition smoothly into higher level study. Many use it as a stepping stone towards a related degree, with the opportunity to progress and even receive credits towards their chosen qualification.

The IIE Higher Certificate in Communication Practices offers a strong foundation in English language and communication. The programme helps students develop essential skills in researching, creating and presenting information, while also encouraging creative thinking, visual communication and confident use of social media. With its focus on design thinking, problem solving and digital literacy, the qualification includes practical learning experiences that prepare students for the workplace. It also serves as a stepping stone to further study, allowing graduates to progress into a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science degree.