Who we are

Olivia Jones Communications (OJC) is a leading Durban-based Public Relations Agency, operated by Olivia Symcox and her dynamic team. Drawing on an extensive network of specialised expertise, OJC meets clients’ PR needs within budgetary and time requirements for every project.

With over 30 years of combined PR experience, OJC has established a reputation within the national media industry for ensuring powerful and effective communication on every campaign. The team’s versatility has seen them successfully customise public relations strategies for a range of projects, among them:
Sport events // Tourism and lifestyle exhibitions // Music concerts // Environmental campaigns // Corporate conferences // Educational programmes // Product launches

OJC has the expertise to target the right media for each campaign, offering valuable media exposure for organisations of every size. By pinpointing elements critical to influential communication, and fostering productive relationships with clients and the media, OJC will bring your organisation into the public eye.

OJC is a member of the Public Relations Institute of South Africa (PRISA).

Meet team OJC

Olivia "OJ" Symcox

Olivia Symcox (I.M.M. Diploma: Marketing), owner of OJC, has extensive experience on both sides of the media fence having been involved in PR for 17 years and having played roles as a journalist too. This has allowed for the development of a strong network of national media contacts while also earning her a solid reputation in the media arena. Some of her media roles of have included:

Lotus FM event diary presenter // East Coast Radio reporter // Extreme Sports Angling (ESA) TV presenter on SuperSport // Live SuperSport TV presenter for World Surfing Games // Live eNCA TV presenter for Mr Price Pro and Durban Beach Festival // Newspaper columnist // Regional magazine editor

Since establishing OJC in 2003, Olivia has worked on a number of high-profile campaigns, among them Decorex South Africa (Joburg, Cape Town and Durban shows), Volvo Golf Champions (European Tour event), the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Sports & Events Tourism Exchange, 2015 Polocrosse World Cup, a number of FEI World Cup Qualifier Showjumping events and the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Olivia handled the PR for Vodacom KZN for 13 years and worked on a number of national Vodacom projects at this time too. This expansive portfolio allows Olivia to bring unique insights to every project she oversees, streamlining communication and customising the approach for each client’s marketing requirements.

Olivia heads up the Shark Angels: South Africa Chapter, and sits on the Coastwatch KZN, Clansthal Conservancy, Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot and 4 Paws & a Tale committees. She is also a World Transplant Games Ambassador. This caring spirit reverberates throughout OJC which provides pro bono marketing and communications for a number of charities.
Cara Giraudeau

Cara joined the OJC team in 2011 as a PR intern and immediately knew she had found the perfect fit. Constantly rising to the challenge of a new project or campaign, Cara thrives on mastering the ever-changing media space, finding innovative ways to put this to the client’s advantage. Her life’s motto ‘the only way to do great work is to love what you do’ is evidenced by her rapport with clients and hands-on approach to every aspect of job. The impact of a successful PR campaign is what drives her, pushing her to achieve maximum exposure for each client. When she has a free moment, Cara can be found in the kitchen trying out a new cake recipe while surrounded by her beloved fur-babies, or going on a new adventure with family and friends.
Agnes Puseletso Matladi

Compassion and endless patience could have seen Agnes succeed in the nursing field but the South African PR industry was fortunate that her career took another path. A ‘too blessed to be stressed’ attitude and unwavering character have seen her bring together last-minute requests while pulling off the impossible, all without breaking her stride. Agnes truly believes in living and working according to the words of Nelson Mandela: ‘It always seems impossible until it is done’. When not working, Agnes enjoys spending quality time with family.