Welcome to new staff

Alumna is new face at humanities

Libo Msengana-Bam.

UCT graduate Libo Msengana-Bam has returned to her alma mater to strengthen marketing and alumni relations in the Faculty of Humanities. Msengana-Bam brings a suite of skills to her role as the marketing and alumni officer, having worked as communications officer at M-Web Holdings, and Cadiz Asset Management, before serving as corporate social investment manager, as well as internal and external communications manager, over her four years with British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA). When she left BATSA in 2005, Msengana-Bam joined her husband's business and simultaneously returned to UCT to complete her studies. She obtained her BSocSci in December 2010.

"I think that it is this combination of my corporate communications experience, my exposure to the business world, as well as my having returned as a 'golden oldie' student on campus, that will enable me to add value in this portfolio," she said.

Off duty, Msengana-Bam enjoys reading and playing golf. She also works as a volunteer with the Friends of Valkenberg Trust.

Seasoned journo joins media team

Linda Rulashe.

It's perhaps understandable that Linda Rulashe lists travel among her hobbies. Born in the Eastern Cape, her family moved to Zambia when she was young. They then trekked to Botswana and Swaziland before returning home. She finished her schooling in KwaZulu-Natal.

She also travelled a bit for work.

During her 20-year stint as a journalist, Rulashe, who joined UCT's Communication and Marketing Department as a communications and media manager in April, worked at various publications. She began with the Weekly Mail (now Mail & Guardian) followed by stints at Tribute Magazine, the Sunday Times and the City Press before being redeployed by Media24 to start the Sunday Sun, where she rose up through the ranks from senior sports writer to news editor, production editor and finally editor.

But after two decades in journalism, Rulashe wanted something new, challenging and interesting. In fact, seeing things from the other side of the fence increased her interest in corporate communications, especially during a short stint with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform after leaving Sunday Sun.

Off duty, Rulashe also loves watching sport, jogging, reading and outdoor life.