Maseru, Lesotho: Wednesday, 25 February 2025 – Press Forward Communications, a public relations and media relations consultancy, has officially launched with a focused mandate to strengthen relationships between corporates and the media in Lesotho.
The firm was established in response to a persistent gap within the communications landscape, where engagement with media is often reactive or treated as secondary rather than strategic. Press Forward Communications seeks to reposition media relations as a central pillar of corporate reputation management and public engagement.
The founder, Thato Ramafu, brings professional experience from both the newsroom and corporate communications environments, having begun her career in media before moving into corporate PR role. This dual perspective informs the consultancy’s approach, which is grounded in an understanding of newsroom realities as well as organisational pressures.
“Media professionals play a critical role in shaping how organisations are perceived,” says Ramafu. “Sustainable public trust requires intentional, ethical and well-managed relationships between corporates and the media.”
Corporates may at times hesitate to deepen engagement with media due to concerns about scrutiny or perceptions of impropriety. In other instances, limited engagement stems from operational demands. Many organisations operate within tight internal deadlines and performance targets, leaving little capacity to build and maintain deliberate media relationships. Press Forward Communications addresses both dynamics by acting as a structured intermediary, ensuring engagement remains professional, transparent and mutually beneficial.
A key focus of the consultancy is improving the practical experience of media practitioners during corporate activities and field assignments. Drawing from first-hand experience, Ramafunotes that logistical gaps such as late return travel and limited support structures can place strain on journalists. The consultancy aims to introduce coordinated, ethical support systems that prioritise dignity, safety and professionalism without compromising editorial independence and safety.
In addition to media relations, Press Forward Communications recognises the increasing influence of digital creators within the public relations ecosystem. The consultancy will work to develop and position influencers as credible, strategically aligned brand partners. In the Lesotho context, where many influencers have significant reach but limited structured positioning, the firm intends to provide guidance on brand development, professional conduct and long-term value creation.
Press Forward Communications offers services including public relations strategy development, media relations management, media buying, media training, communications strategy design, influencer relations and project-based communications support for organisations requiring outsourced expertise. While its service offering is comprehensive, the consultancy’s primary focus remains the strengthening of media relations as the foundation of responsible and effective communication.
The firm also signals its intention to collaborate with corporates, development partners and independent practitioners to advance industry standards and contribute to national development. By prioritising ethical engagement and structured partnership, Press Forward Communications aims to elevate the practice of public relations in Lesotho and beyond.
Headquartered in Maseru and operates as a public relations and media relations consultancy committed to bridging institutional and media interests through strategic, balanced and principled communication.
For media enquiries, partnerships or further information, please contact:
Thato Ramafu on +266 5998 1038 0r at tayramafu@gmail.com
