LENINA
RASSOOL
Treating communication not only as narrative, but as infrastructure: the flows of information, care, and accountability that sustain societies.
The Practice
Lenina Rassool is a journalist, communications strategist, and multimedia producer with 20 years of experience spanning mainstream media and social justice. She has worked in communications for numerous organisations with a focus on civic engagement, community news and gender justice. Her work has appeared in Femina, Cosmopolitan, the Cape Times, and the Mail & Guardian.
Her practice sits at the border of journalism and systems thinking. She positions communication as both a civic act and a systemic intervention, helping audiences see themselves as participants in larger webs of responsibility and possibility.
Experience
Communications Coordinator
Trust for Community Outreach and Education (TCOE)
Produced Annual Reports, coordinated website upgrades, managed media relations, and curated the Inyanda Community Newspaper.
News Editor & Producer
Cape Town TV
The Womxn Show (16 Seasons)
WatchThe Womxn Show is a Ford Foundation-funded television series produced by Cape Town TV focusing on gender-based violence, gender justice and women empowerment.
Mental Health Matters (13 Episodes)
WatchMental Health Matters is a Ford Foundation-funded television series unpacking mental health issues and disorders with the aim of building understanding and empathy around mental health and wellness.
Communications & Project Manager
Code for South Africa (OpenUp)
Managed media relations for civic tech applications, developed communication strategies, and conducted end-user testing for social impact tools.
Communications Coordinator
ACTIVATE! Change Drivers
Coordinated content for a national youth network of over 1000 change drivers. Magazine production and workshop coordination.
Features Writer & Journalist
Femina & Cosmopolitan Magazine
Deep-dive features and investigative journalism for South Africa's leading lifestyle publications.
Journalism & Writing
Workshops & Speaking
Speaking Engagements
African Feminisms (Afems) Conference
Discussion with Pumla Dineo Gqola on her book 'The Female Fear Factor' (2021)
Virtual Speaking Engagement on Gender-Based Violence
LEVI STRAUS (2021)
In-person Speaking Engagement on Gender-Based Violence
Philippi Village (2021)
Women Empowerment Webinar
Karate South Africa (2021)
Workshops
GBV Workshop with Sector Participants
Heinrich Boll Foundation (2023)
Speaking to the Media (with victims of Gun Violence)
Gun Free South Africa (2023)
Public Speaking Masterclass
Embrace- A Movement For Mothers (2021 and 2022)
Mobile Journalism/Storytelling
Workers World (2021)
Honors & Recognition
Online Media Management
Fray College / CHARM Programme hosted by the Wits Centre for Journalism (2025)
Mail & Guardian: Power of Women
2024 — Read Profile
International Visitor Leadership Programme
U.S. Department of State (2023)
Leading for Healing: Black Women Executives Mentorship
Mental Wellness Initiative and Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership (2021 - 2022)
Media Relations
PR and Media Liaison for Forced Sterilizations on HIV+ Women
Her Rights Initiative (2023)
Press Release and Distribution
Western Cape Women’s Shelter Movement (2023)
Press Release and Distribution
Mosaic Training Service and Healing Centre (2023)
Let's build better
infrastructure.
Have a project in mind or want to discuss the flows of information and care? Send a message and let's start a conversation.