Melissa Du PreezWRITER AND CONTENT STRATEGIST

learn more about me

About Me

/In a nutshell

Hi, I’m Mel and I’m here to write your story.

I help businesses reach strategic milestones by adding spark and impact to campaigns and content strategies. 

You might think you don’t have a story to tell or believe it’s insignificant, but I see all the raw materials of a fantastic tale just waiting to be unwrapped.

Let me help you find your story and share its magic with the world.

A few things to know about me

  • I have been a journalist, sub-editor and communications pro since 2008
  • My career bloomed on the back of the internet boom, which is a great conversation-starter when people ask about ‘the old days of dial up’
  • Varied experience across many platforms has honed my dynamic approach to storytelling

How can I help you? Find out here. 

Services

/Some of what I do

Editing & proofreading
Social media
Email marketing
Public relations
consultation
Copywriting, profiles
& features
Strategy & campaign development

Skills

80%Deadline-driven
80%Critical thinking
70%Teamwork
70%Adaptability

Experience

/The highlights

Experience
JULY 2024 - PRESENT

Digital Communications Manager

South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)

This role leads day-to-day communications activities, striving to drive greater awareness of SAIIA’s research while working closely with researchers, the events department, web developers and service providers.

Sub-editor

eNCA

This role assists programme production teams in checking content in bulletin rundowns and reangling stories where necessary. It also reviews all reporter scripts and on-screen text like headlines and promotional segments.

JULY 2022 - JUNE 2024
JULY 2021 - JUNE 2022

Freelance sub-editor

Eyewitness News

Freelance sub-editor, webmaster and community manager

The Space Between Us

MAY 2021 - FEB 2022
DEC 2015 - DEC 2020

Communications officer: Digital content

WWF South Africa

Communications manager

Lawyers for Human Rights

NOV 2012 - DEC 2015
2011 - NOV 2012

Online editor

Mail & Guardian Online

Field Journalist

Jacaranda 94.2

JUN 2010 - NOV 2011
2008 - JUN 2010

Online sub-editor and journalist

Eyewitness News

End

Portfolio

/Work done so far

testimonials

I worked together with Melissa at TSBU in 2021, and from a professional standpoint, she is diligent, punctual, hardworking and reliable. As a colleague and person, she is deeply compassionate, loyal and goes out of her way to help, support and guide those around her. All in all, she is a fantastic human being and makes for an incredible addition to any workplace.
Alexandra Kögl – Social Media Officer at WWF South Africa
Melissa is an incredibly hardworking communications specialist with over 10 years of experience in the media and communications field. She is articulate, a great communicator with exceptional writing skills. She is a solution-based professional, who's well-informed and in touch with the latest trends in communications and media, and understands the pressures that come with the industry. I worked with her in the early years of my career, and I can say that not only is she good at her job but she is also a good leader and great teacher.
Karabo Gill – Broadcast News Producer
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Melissa du Preez for any work position. She is diligent and takes her work very seriously, always giving 100%. She's also a rare breed - someone who can actually writer properly and edit.
Marion Scher – Journalist, Author, Media Consultant and Trainer at Media Mentors
Melissa is one of my favourite people to work with as she is very skilled, efficient, reliable and highly organised. She always ensures that she fully understands what's required of her role, and executes all her duties on time and with a high standard.
Dori van Loggerenberg – Podcast Producer, Content/Social Media Manager & Sub-Editor
I've been working closely with Melissa as my editor for the last 9 months and am always in awe of her incredible organisational skills and her fine attention to detail. She's open and easy to communicate with and is super supportive. She's extremely dedicated to the deliverables and the brands she works on, but it's not only about the work for Melissa, it's about the people too … and I love that.
Sabine Bittle – Writer, mental health advocate, artist, occasional filmmaker and published ghostwriter
I had the pleasure of working with Melissa Du Preez on numerous occasions when she was the organisations digital content communications officer. She consistently demonstrated high levels of professionalism and creativity that resulted in many direct gains for conservation. Melissa was always approachable, dedicated and multi-skilled in the work that she undertook. She provided expert guidance on current trends and approaches in the digital content space and her creative side often resulted in innovative ways of showcasing the conservation work we do. I would highly recommend her as a member of any business or creative team that aims to further their digital content profile in ways that will be of meaningful benefit.
Angus Burns – Senior Manager: WWF-SA Land and Biodiversity Stewardship Portfolio

Get in touch

/I’m standing by

Flesh flash bandits are everywhere so to get in touch please use LinkedIn or through the form below.