ESascha-Lee Joseph
With a communications career spanning over three decades within the City, Jenny Moodley is the dynamic voice of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo [JCPZ] in her capacity as Senior Manager: Intergovernmental, Advocacy and Media Relations, and official spokesperson.
Moodley distinguishes herself not merely through extensive institutional memory but through an indefatigable commitment to bridging the City, media, and its diverse populace.
“Being a proficient communicator transcends eloquent speech; it demands active listening, genuine empathy, and an unyielding commitment to authenticity,” Moodley asserts.
“In the public sector, responsiveness and respect are paramount, leveraging communication as a potent force for cultivating trust, resolving conflict, and inspiring civic engagement.”
Moodley’s distinguished journey in public service commenced within the City’s Revenue Department, preceding a strategic transition into communications. It includes formative roles within the former Southern Metropolitan Council, the inner-city Office, and a pivotal contribution to the transformative iGoli 2000 Restructuring and Transformation Unit, where she directly shaped and witnessed critical junctures in the City’s evolution.
A significant turning point arrived with her deployment to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, affording her a unique vantage at the nexus of global diplomacy and localised urban impact. Since then, JCPZ has served as her professional epicentre, where she has meticulously steered strategic communications, championed environmental initiatives, and successfully mobilised private sector support for the City’s expansive urban greening agenda.
Her career is replete with moments of national significance and personal distinction, from welcoming former president Nelson Mandela for a tree-planting ceremony in Soweto to standing alongside ANC elder Walter Sisulu during his tributes to liberation icons. Moodley was an instrumental presence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a period that saw Johannesburg affirm its global promise.
She also proudly spearheaded the City’s campaign that garnered gold at the LivCom Awards in China for Diepsloot’s innovative XtremePark Makeover. “One of my most profoundly fulfilling roles involves mentoring nascent communicators,” Moodley shares.
“I empower emerging talent to judiciously leverage artificial intelligence tools, pursue professional certification through the National School of Government, and cultivate professional confidence. I am a staunch advocate for the heightened visibility of women in leadership, believing that women in senior roles carry not only their individual narratives but the collective aspirations of countless others.”
Moodley’s academic foundation includes a Certificate in Developmental Communications from Wits University, complemented by the Municipal Finance Management Act Certificate and executive training in leadership, governance, crisis communication, protocol, and reputation management. Her foundational experience in banking and the chemical industry further enriched her early career with invaluable exposure to advocacy and multifaceted stakeholder engagement.
Her influence transcends municipal boundaries. As a Board Member of World Urban Parks, she serves as a vital African voice in global dialogues concerning inclusive and sustainable urban greening. Her comprehensive portfolio, encompassing Intergovernmental Relations, Public Relations, and Media Engagement, solidifies her indispensable role as a critical conduit between local government and the broader public sphere.
Over the next five years, Moodley envisions a scaled expansion of her influence, including the publication of one or two books encapsulating the profound lessons gleaned from her illustrious career, alongside sustained contributions on national and continental platforms. Her enduring objective is to forge a legacy that inspires profound trust in public communication and catalyses deeper civic engagement.
Beyond the demands of office and media engagement, Moodley finds rejuvenation through global travel, contemplative gardening, immersing herself in biographies, and engaging with TED Talks. She also dedicates her time as Chairperson of her Body Corporate and actively participates in community upliftment projects that intrinsically align with her professional ethos.
“I implore aspiring communicators to approach their craft with courage, clarity, and an unwavering sense of public service,” she notes. “My journey stands as a living testament to the transformative power of compelling storytelling, unyielding integrity, and consistent public engagement.”
