The Record Agency
Setting the Record Straight Media Agency
Setting the Record Straight Media Agency “The Record Agency” is a South African boutique consultancy delivering high-quality writing, editorial, media, and public relations work, with a clear focus on text-based communication, brand design, and translation.
If your work must hold on record, begin a disciplined engagement with Setting the Record
Straight Media Agency. Share the context, the audience and what is at stake. We respond with a
clear assessment of scope, timelines and editorial approach, allowing you to proceed with
confidence that the work will be precise, defensible and built to endure.
What we do
Writing and Editorial Services
We provide professional writing services across multiple genres and platforms. These include long-form journalism, opinion and analysis, speeches, press releases, media statements, reports, profiles, features, brand narratives, website copy, social media content, policy documents and
ghostwritten work.
Our writing is evidence-led, structured, and designed to withstand public and institutional scrutiny. Every text is crafted with clarity, discipline and purpose.
Editing and Proofreading
Editing is central to our practice. We offer structural editing, substantive editing, copy editing, and proofreading for complex, high-stakes documents.
This includes government reports, policy frameworks, academic theses, institutional publications, and long-form manuscripts. Our editorial approach strengthens argument, logic and flow while preserving the author’s voice and intent.
Media Strategy and Public Relations
We offer media and public relations services rooted in content rather than spin. These include media strategy development, content planning, messaging documents, issue framing, spokesperson preparation and reputational support.
Our approach prioritises credibility, consistency and clarity, recognising that effective public relations begins with well-argued text and disciplined language.
Speechwriting and Executive Communication
We provide speechwriting and executive communication services for senior leaders in government, business and civil society.
This includes keynote speeches, addresses, statements, talking points and briefing notes. Our work translates complex policy and institutional positions into persuasive, accessible language without dilution of meaning.
Conference Media and Mobile Newsroom Services
We provide mobile newsroom services for conferences, summits and institutional events.
This includes press statements, live reporting, daily summaries, executive quotations and post-event reports. Photography and video services are available on request through trusted partners.
Moderation and Facilitation of Strategic Discussions
Setting the Record Straight Media Agency offers professional moderation and facilitation services for high-level discussions across politics, business, policy and civil society.
This includes chairing and moderating panel discussions, keynote conversations, webinars, roundtables and live conference sessions. The service is designed to guide substantive engagement, ensure balance, and keep discussions focused on evidence, context and consequence.
Moderation is conducted by an experienced political analyst, award-winning columnist, and journalist with deep familiarity in politics, governance, economic policy, and institutional dynamics. Sessions are structured to encourage rigorous exchange, disciplined debate and meaningful audience participation.
This service is suited to organisations seeking credible, independent moderation that elevates discussion, clarifies complex issues and maintains intellectual integrity across both physical and virtual platforms.
Website Audit & Refresh
Before you scroll past — stop.
This is the moment.
We’ll thoroughly audit your website: content, navigation, structure, positioning, and the competitive landscape. Then we decide what needs a complete revamp and what needs sharper words.
And yes, the woman who designed this website is watching us live.
So don’t overthink it.
Don’t scroll.
Broadcast Commentary and Panel Participation
The agency provides experienced broadcast-ready political commentary for television, radio, panels and public dialogues.
This service is well-suited to platforms and events that require authoritative, disciplined analysis delivered in accessible language.
Political Analysis and Briefings
We offer political analysis services for conferences, institutions, and organisations that require informed interpretation of South Africa’s political environment.
This includes State of the Nation-style briefings, governance analysis, and political context-setting, grounded in long-term observation, archival knowledge, and contemporary political dynamics.
Brand Design
If you like the brand assets you see here, there’s a reason. Their thinking is not outsourced, diluted, or handed off.
At Setting the Record Straight Media Agency, design is led by the same mind that shapes the message. From logos and visual identity to full rebrands and refreshes, we work closely with you to ensure your look says precisely what it should — clearly, confidently, and without compromise.
If it’s time to rebrand, reset, or sharpen your presence, we’re on call. Be bold. Be coherent. Stand out — and stand up — in the marketplace.
Media Training
Through strategic partnerships, we provide media training for C-suite executives and media-facing professionals.
This service focuses on message discipline, interview preparedness, narrative control and ethical engagement with the media, grounded in newsroom realities rather than theory.
Translation
Ever heard the phrase “lost in translation”?
Yes. It happens to the best of us.
Language is not just words. It is tone, context, culture, and intent. When those slip, meaning follows.
About Us
Founded and led by Bhekisisa Mncube, a multi-award-winning columnist, the agency brings together deep journalistic discipline, editorial rigour and strategic media thinking. For five years, Setting the Record Straight has worked across journalism, government, academia, civil society and the private sector, producing writing that is precise, credible and built to withstand scrutiny.
Our Industries
Government & Public Sector
We have undertaken high-level editorial and writing work for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, housed in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Legal & Professional Services
We led brand positioning and developed a tailored content strategy for Xuba & Associates Attorneys Inc., producing website copy that combined precision with audience sensitivity.
Tourism & Telecommunications
The founder has covered Africa’s Travel Indaba and Meetings Africa, and served as Regional Public Relations Officer at MTN, supporting executive communication strategies.
Higher Education & Research
We provide editing for academic theses and institutional publications, working closely with researchers to ensure accuracy, coherence and intellectual integrity.
“Let the record speak for itself, one line at a time.”
Insights
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If your work must hold on record, begin a disciplined engagement with Setting the Record Straight Media Agency. Share the context, the audience and what is at stake. We respond with a clear assessment of scope, timelines and editorial approach.