Turning impact into a story people trust and act on
Independent consultant in integrated communications and development/CSR communications, helping mission-driven organisations and corporate CSR teams turn complex impact work into narratives that stand up to scrutiny and develop strategies to reach the right audience.
Penelope Shandlale
I am an Integrated Communications Specialist with 9+ years of experience across corporate, agency, and consulting environments, with a growing specialisation in CSR, CSI, and development-sector communication. My career began in a Group CSI and Foundation team, where I built an external voice for a department that had none, and has since deepened through direct NGO consulting, translating monitoring and evaluation data into donor-ready impact stories.
Alongside this focus, I bring a broad integrated communications capability inclusive of public relations, content strategy, social media, stakeholder engagement, and concept-to-end campaign management to any brand or team. Currently completing my MA in Communication for Social Change, I pair academic depth with hands-on delivery and am known for being a fast, seamless addition to any team.
Services built around your current needs
Concept-to-end communication
Full-cycle creative communication including strategy, execution and stakeholder engagement; managed end-to-end, with an eye for the impact stories that move CSR and development audiences.
Public relations
Reputation-first PR that builds strategic media and stakeholder relationships, translating impact and CSR work into brand affinity, not just coverage.
Social media management & strategy
Social strategy that amplifies your voice and strengthens engagement, turning CSR milestones and impact moments into content that actually lands.
Partnerships & strategic positioning
Communications built to open doors, positioning your CSR work so it reads as a genuine partnership opportunity to funders, corporates and stakeholders, not just a report.
Organisations I've worked with
A few dispatches from recent projects
Thought leadership & writing
Where does your story actually stand?
Answer six quick questions about a project or report you're working on. You'll get a quick read on where the narrative is solid and where it's likely losing people.
What people say after working together
"An exceptional Public Relations and Communications Specialist. A rare combination of strategic thinking, creativity, dedication and professionalism. She has a remarkable ability to uncover, articulate and amplify the authentic stories behind the Foundation's work."Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Portfolio Head: Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship, Momentum Group Foundation
"Penelope was engaged to strengthen the donor-facing and public communications of a complex, multi-thematic programme, and she consistently exceeded expectations. What distinguished her work was not only the quality of her output, but the scope she brought to it; her role expanded organically beyond the original brief, reflecting the trust she earned."Masingita Lambane, Executive Director, Singita Manna Consulting
Let's talk about your story
Tell me a little about the organisation and what you're trying to say. I'll reply within a couple of days.