In a city brimming with creative energy, the FinePrint Mentorship Program is proving that Nelson Mandela Bay has no shortage of emerging voices ready to make their mark.
Founded by former journalist turned Communications Content Officer, Odette Parfitt, the program is designed to nurture young and aspiring writers by connecting them with established professionals who understand the art and the heart of communication.
The initiative, supported by 041Online, gives mentees not only a platform to publish their work but also a chance to learn directly from industry mentors. The mentor lineup is a dynamic mix of writers, editors, authors, PR practitioners, and radio personalities, all volunteering their time to help shape the next generation of storytellers.
The program goes beyond traditional mentorship, bringing in external professionals for skills-based webinars and industry insight sessions that expose mentees to real-world media and communications practice.
Learning from Industry Professionals
One such session took place this past weekend, led by Nicole Klokow, Marketing, Communications and Investment Promotions Manager at the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA). With more than 20 years in the communications field, Nicole has worked as an editor, communication specialist, and strategist, making her the perfect guide for a session on professional presence and authentic self-expression.
Through exercises like “describe your week in a headline” and using the iceberg model of self-reflection, Nicole encouraged mentees to think deeply about how they present themselves in professional spaces. She reminded participants that knowing who you are and what you bring to the table is key to showing up with confidence and purpose. Her message was clear: in an age where artificial intelligence can generate words in seconds, genuine human voice is more important than ever.
Building Skills and Confidence
This focus on authenticity, self-awareness, and professional development is exactly what makes the FinePrint Mentorship Program stand out. It is not just about helping writers improve their craft, it is about preparing them for the communications landscape they are stepping into, one where adaptability, clarity, and integrity are as vital as talent.
As FinePrint continues to grow, it is clear that the program is building more than writing skills. It is creating a community of thoughtful communicators equipped to represent the Bay and beyond. By connecting mentorship with professional insight, Odette Parfitt and the FinePrint team are laying the groundwork for a generation of writers who not only have something to say but know exactly how to make it heard.
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