Black and white photo of a woman smiling outdoors, standing with one hand on her hip, in front of a staircase and garden.
Black and white photo of a young woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a Nike zip-up sweatshirt, earrings, and a watch, standing with one hand in her pocket in front of a bookshelf.
Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with braided hair, wearing a white blazer, standing in front of a blurred background with large leafy plants.

CARLA VAN PLETZEN

is a highly respected public relations expert with over 21 years of experience in the industry. As the CEO and Founder of SLAPS, she specializes in strategic brand management, influencer marketing, and crisis communications. Her work has shaped the success of major brands, including Savanna Cider, Burger King, and Revlon, delivering award-winning campaigns that resonate with audiences.
Carla’s expertise spans creative PR execution, media relations, and reputation management, earning her multiple accolades, including PRISM, Loerie, and Effie awards. She is also a recognized industry leader, serving as a Senior PRISMS judge and speaker and contributing to the evolution of the PR landscape in South Africa. With a keen eye for strategy, innovation, and storytelling, Carla continues to drive impactful campaigns that set new benchmarks in public relations.

S’NETHEMBA MBATA 

is a PR Group Account Director at Slaps Influence with over seven years of experience in communications, influencer marketing, and multi-account management. Her  expertise spans beauty, skincare, alcohol, and automotive industries, having worked with renowned brands such as L’Oréal, Revlon, Hunter’s Cider, Bernini, Amarula, and now Mazda.
Throughout her career, she has successfully led and executed integrated PR campaigns, and built strong relationships with media and influencers. She thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments, where she manages multiple accounts, oversee junior team members, and drive brand engagement through innovative PR solutions.
Sne’s passion lies in leveraging influencer partnerships, crafting compelling narratives, and aligning PR efforts with business objectives to create measurable results. Whether launching a new product, managing a brand reputation, or amplifying a campaign’s reach, she brings a strategic, creative, and results-focused approach to every project.

THATO MOLOI 

PR Account Manager & Influencer Marketer with a passion for storytelling, strategic brand positioning, and executing award-winning campaigns. With extensive experience across industries—including alcohol, automotive, and lifestyle—Thato has successfully worked with renowned brands such as Savanna, Hunters, Tabasco SA, and Mazda Southern Africa, to name a few.
An expert at driving impactful storytelling across diverse industries and fostering media and influencer relationships. 
Thato thrives in fast-paced environments, crafting PR strategies that not only capture attention but also deliver measurable business impact. A dynamic and results-driven professional with a track record of excellence and innovation, earning her accolades at PRISMs, Effies and Loeries.Thato continues to shape the industry by creating meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.