In the world of public relations and outcome-based education in Southern Africa, Oscar Manduku-Habeenzu stands out as a distinguished professional with a rich background in education and public relations.
In 2014 he founded Oscar Habeenzu Consulting PBC, a consulting firm registered in Zimbabwe, with several incognito successful projects across the continent to date. Since 2019, Oscar Manduku-Habeenzu took his firm to the continental stage, currently boasting of work done in all 54 African countries, through diverse investments and consultancies.
Known as the “Coffee Tourist” amongst his consulting client's circles and on social media, Oscar Manduku-Habeenzu has forged a brand for himself related to all things coffee in Southern Africa.
His career, marked by notable achievements and impactful contributions, highlights the importance of these fields in shaping public perception and fostering personal development. This article delves into Oscar’s educational qualifications, professional experience, and the methodologies and strategies that have defined his success.
Educational Background
Oscar’s academic credentials are extensive and diverse, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. He holds a Diploma in Education (Outcome-Based), which has equipped him with modern teaching methodologies aimed at achieving specific educational outcomes.
His Diploma in Public Relations has provided him with a deep understanding of the strategic communication necessary for managing public perception.
Additionally, his Diploma in Intellectual Property reflects his expertise in protecting and managing intellectual assets, a crucial skill in today’s knowledge-driven economy.
Industry Expertise
Over the years Oscar’s career in education and public relations is marked by a series of influential roles and responsibilities.
His tenure as Chairman of the Advertising and Publicity Club of Harare from 2010 to 2013 stands out. Though voluntary, during his tenure he ensured each member received an annual report of the club, and was also known to have on-boarded many young professionals and executives.
This business networking club for executives in the media, advertising, and communications industries in Zimbabwe is known for the popular Ngoma Awards, which celebrate excellence in advertising. Under Oscar’s leadership, the club thrived, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.
In 2014, Oscar served as the PR Manager for Miss World Zimbabwe finalist, Cathrine Makaya. His strategic communication efforts helped enhance her public image and broaden her appeal, demonstrating his adeptness in managing high-profile public relations campaigns.
From 2007 to 2009, Oscar was the National Director of Youth Encounter Zimbabwe, a non-profit organization focused on personal development for teenagers and young adults. One of his key successes during this period was conducting a teenage behavior survey in partnership with BehaviourReport.com. He also authored the book "Beyond Rebellion," available on Amazon, which addresses teenage behavior and development.
Oscar’s role as Campaign Manager for Tongai Mnangagwa, a prominent Zimbabwean minister and politician, from 2015 to 2018, further showcased his PR prowess. His successful campaign strategy, code-named Tonganyika, was transformed into a non-profit organization for the Harare South Constituency, reflecting his ability to create lasting, positive change through strategic communication.
From 2013 to 2017, Oscar served as PR Manager and Personal Assistant to the late diplomat Gift Huggins Sibanda, the former Director General of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). During this period, he helped establish a consultancy for Sibanda after his tenure, illustrating his skill in managing the public profiles of prominent individuals.
Oscar has also consulted as a Corporate Training and Team Building Facilitator for several organizations, including Advantage Training Co. and Scripture Union. His work in this area highlights his ability to enhance organizational performance through effective communication and team-building strategies.
In 2015 Oscar created his own training programmes for business owners, covering topics like Design, Digital Marketing, and Sales Management. After running them incognito, in 2018 he transformed one of them into a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing, and trained over 50 business owners, managers, and graduates. This course took interested in South Africa more than it did in Zimbabwe, seeing it being moved down south in 2019.
From 2019 to date, Oscar Manduku-Habeenzu has trained over 100 business owners, managers, graduates and interns for companies, in South Africa. He collaborated with training companies to empower business owners supported by Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), training business owners and mentoring them over a period of one month (in class and at their offices). This training product was subsequently acquired by Cabanga Media Group, to be used for training its interns and journalists, and also ran as a business unit of the group.
Success stories in South Africa include companies like Setbooks, Cabanga Media Group, Fitzgerald Mujuru Group, Evertol Associates, Hamaswi Media, and many more self-employed entrepreneurs and executives, who benefited profitable from taking the Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing by Oscar Manduku-Habeenzu.
Skills and Methodologies
Oscar’s success in education and public relations can be attributed to his diverse skill set and innovative methodologies. His teaching methodologies are grounded in outcome-based education, focusing on achieving specific learning outcomes through tailored instructional strategies. This approach ensures that students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their respective fields.
In public relations, Oscar employs a range of strategies to manage and influence public perception. His expertise includes media relations, crisis communication, and strategic planning. He leverages various tools and techniques, such as social media management, press releases, and public speaking, to effectively communicate messages and manage public opinion.
Impact and Contributions
Oscar’s impact on the fields of education and public relations is evident through his numerous successful campaigns and initiatives. As Chairman of the Advertising and Publicity Club of Harare, he played a pivotal role in organizing the Ngoma Awards, which celebrated excellence in Zimbabwean advertising and fostered industry growth.
His tenure as PR Manager for Cathrine Makaya and Campaign Manager for Tongai Mnangagwa demonstrated his ability to manage high-profile public relations campaigns successfully. His work with Youth Encounter Zimbabwe and the consultancy for Gift Huggins Sibanda further highlights his contributions to personal development and strategic communication.
Oscar’s consulting work as a Corporate Training and Team Building Facilitator has also had a significant impact. His training programs have helped organizations enhance their performance, foster teamwork, and achieve their goals.
Books and Publications
He is the founder of BehaviourReport.com, the only publication in Zimbabwe to accurately predict the rise and succession of Emmerson Mnangagwa, from being Vice President to becoming President in Zimbabwe, from July 31st, 2013 to November 21st, 2018, the day of the Coup-Non-Coup. One of his many trending thought leadership articles include Demba Harisi Ngwena, The Limited Edition CEO and Doctors without Borders.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Oscar has authored several books, including "Beyond Rebellion," which addresses teenage behavior and development, and other titles available for free download on his website. These publications reflect his deep understanding of personal development and strategic communication, providing valuable insights for readers.
He also authored Brand Ideology, brand building, messaging, and market positioning that was reviewed by The Herald, the largest national daily newspaper in Zimbabwe.
Oscar Manduku-Habeenzu’s multifaceted career in education and public relations showcases his dedication to fostering personal development and managing public perception. His extensive educational background, professional experience, and innovative methodologies have made him a prominent figure in these fields.
As he continues to contribute to education and public relations, Oscar’s vision for the future remains focused on creating lasting, positive change through strategic communication and personal development initiatives. His ongoing and future projects promise to further enhance his impact, solidifying his reputation as an expert in education and public relations.
Source: OscarHabeenzu.com
