It’s 6.40am, and before I can enter the massive structure that is the City of Cape Town head office, I show my staff card and have my handbag searched – twice. A waft of rich aroma teases my taste buds and I head straight for CK’s coffee shop, where the barista, Dorel, knows my weakness. Yes, I have become a java junkie.
With my liquid fortitude in hand, I head for the 12th floor, set my bag down, turn on the computer and list the tasks I have to complete this morning – scan City media releases for articles for City News Online, check my calendar for meeting requests, email content for the sites I’m working on, prepare for the daily team meeting ... well, at least the first few hours are planned anyway, because a day at City HQ often includes a number of unexpected tasks landing on one’s desk.
With more than 300 internal and external websites to revamp and/or overhaul, as well as ad hoc projects that are thrown our way, the Flow team at the City of Cape Town has its work cut out. As members of the e-communication team, Leon Jamarie, Roy Barford and I conceptualise the look and feel of a new site, write and proof copy, source images, manage projects, write daily articles for City News Online and tweet for the City, in between sitting in on a number of meetings, advising on web strategy and fighting the occasional proverbial fire.
However, we are but links in a sparkling platinum chain. The e-communication team has two designers, a senior writer and has recently hired a project manager to help ease the load. We are the go-to team for any City department hoping to adjust, change and maintain internal and external websites, from traffic services, drug and alcohol addiction, records management and the mayor’s website to electricity services, property valuations and solid waste. Yep, our knowledge knows no bounds!
Senior writer Nadja Martinussen has been with the City for five years and is appreciative of the Flow’s assistance. She says: “Since Marin, Leon and Roy started at our offices late last year, I’ve been able to delegate some of the work that threatens to drown me each morning, and I do so with confidence. Their work is of a very high standard and – most importantly – our clients are happier. I’m also very impressed by their work ethic, friendliness and professionalism. Well done, Flow. You’re the best! Our work flows better now!”
Personally, it has been a great opportunity for me to develop new skills, see projects through from beginning to end, work in a relaxed environment and, yes, increase my caffeine intake.
My fellow Flowstar agrees. Says Leon of his time at the City of Cape Town: “Working for the City has proven to be both a challenge and a delight. We get to see first-hand the workings of a well-run city, as well as the intricacies of local government. The work exposes us to people from all walks of life and we are able to utilise our existing skills, while developing new ones.
“I have learnt to be patient – meetings are endless but productive – and that Flow Communications is a great employer because the company provides staff with free coffee every day. At the City we have become regulars at the local coffee shop.”
So, while “The City works for you”, we at Flow are having a ball “Working for the City”.
