Portfolio

My online portfolio offers clients and potential clients an overview of my work, as well as access to examples of some of the projects I've worked on. It is organised by year in descending order. 

Please note: All examples of my work are archived on scribd.com or are available on client web sites. Please contact me if you experience any broken links.



Recent Projects

Please see Featured Projects on the home page for examples of recent work.

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2019 - 2022

Some of the projects I worked on during this period included: 
  • Development of the narrative content for the 2021 reporting suite for KAP Industrial Holdings (commissioned by Ince). The suite includes the Integrated Annual Report, the Corporate Governance Report, the Sustainability Review and the Remuneration Report. 
  • Development of:
  1. a report entitled The evolving cybersecurity threat in Africa (2021); 
  2. a white paper entitled The critical components of a successful cybersecurity programme (2021);
  3. a white paper entitled Making the internet accessible to everyone throughout Africa: How terrestrial fibre networks are being used to complement submarine internet cables to make the internet more stable and accessible to growing audiences in Africa (2021): and
  4. a white paper entitled Smart government: defining a new era in the public sector (2022) for Liquid Intelligent Technologies (commissioned by APO Group). 
         View the associated video here: 



 

  •  Development of the narrative content for the Investec Property FundPPS and Vunani Limited Integrated Annual Reports for 2019 (commissioned by Ince). I write the Vunani IAR annually and previous projects commissioned by Ince have included annual reports for FMBCH and Primeserv
  • Media releases and other media content for Amex, Global Citizen, Real Africa Works (RAW) and White Star (all commissioned by OnPoint PR); media releases for Brand SA (commissioned by KLM Publicity); media releases, media alerts and stakeholder communications for Bidvest (commissioned by Ogilvy PR); a number of thought leadership features for OnPointPR; various media releases and thought leadership features commissioned by PR Powerhouse. These included: 
- #SABiggestBreakfast goes virtual! for White Star (commissioned by OnPoint PR).

A new day will dawn in Africa for Brand SA (commissioned by KLM Publicity).

White Star steps in to keep the beat alive! for White Star, a media release announcing the launch of the  #ShayanaNgeWhiteStar (Shine with White Star) music industry initiative (commissioned by OnPoint PR).

- Applications open for the 2020 Global Citizen Fellowship, a media release announcing the launch of the Global Citizen Fellowship Programme, in association with BeyGOOD (commissioned by OnPoint PR).
 
Saray Khumalo goes big for World Literacy Day, a media release announcing that mountaineer, entrepreneur and libraries ambassador, Saray Khumalo, will be hosting an attempt to break the Guinness world record for the most money raised during an eight-hour static cycling event (see an example of the media coverage achieved on Sport24).  This piece was commissioned by PR Powerhouse.






Watch the #ShayanaNgeWhiteStar launch here (3:18 mins):

 
 

 
         
Watch the announcement of 
 the 2020 Global Citizen 
 Fellows here (2:36 mins):
 
 
   

  • A media profile entitled All about Bridget for TV actor, producer, radio host, fashionista, MC and public speaker, Bridget Masinga. 

Nkateko Mabindisa, Vuyo's Funerals

  • Copy editing/re-writing of the 2020 Gauteng Digital and ICT Market Quantification Report for Knowledge Executive (commissioned directly by Knowledge Executive) (204 pages). This report is unfortunately not in the public domain.
 

~

2018


In 2018, some of the projects I worked on included: 
 
  • Development of the narrative content for the South Ocean Holdings integrated annual report for 2018 (commissioned directly by South Ocean Holdings). 
 
 
 
  • Copy editing of two research reports (88 pages and 38 pages respectively), including referencing, for Genesis Analytics (commissioned by Genesis Analytics). The first was entitled Provision of Sexual Health Services in Schools: A Literature Review (summary here) and the second was entitled The Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL)Baseline Ecosystem Study of the Global Digital Ecosystem (summary here). 
  • Development of communications material for the second annual International Film and TV Dialogue (commissioned by OnPoint PR).
  • Development of media content for National Book Week 2018 and the 2018 South African Book Fair (commissioned by OnPoint PR). 
This work included:  
A veritable feast for booklovers (a media release targeted at the literary media announcing the programme for 2018) and 
The rise and rise of African writers (an editorial dealing with the impact African writers are having on the global literary scene). 
 
 

  • Development of a range of communications content for the launch of the Etion brand (previously Ansys)

This included Etion: Blazing a new trail for integrated digital technology, a corporate profile for the JSE magazine.

 ~

2017

PR Powerhouse

Ongoing


Throughout 2017, I continued to develop a wide range of communications content for PR Powerhouse, a public relations and communications agency based in Johannesburg. Work I did for the agency during the year included media releases, features, thought leadership articles, op-ed features, corporate profiles, executive speeches and various other marketing and promotional communications. I am the outsourced writer for the agency and handle all of its writing and editing requirements.

Clients I worked on during the course of the year included Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Nedbank, South African Airways (SAA), the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), and UL (Underwriters Limited).

Examples of the work I did for PR Powerhouse in 2017 included:
Electrifying ideas for powering Africa (a thought leadership feature developed for Nedbank);
When digital = easy (a media release announcing innovations in Nedbank's digital and mobile banking);
UL explores the latest innovations in payment technologies (a media release for UL); and
Where do we really stand on black economic transformation? (a media release developed for BUSA).

OnPoint

Ongoing

I also continued to work for OnPoint, a Johannesburg-based PR and communications agency, throughout the year. The largest project I worked on for this client was the development of a master narrative and a range of communications content for Nedbank's innovation launch. 

Examples of this work include:
Nedbank launches new generation banking app (media release); and
Nedbank introduces world-first school payment app (media release).

Genesis Analytics

Ongoing


Genesis Analytics, an economics-based consultancy, is a long-standing client. The largest project I worked on for the firm in 2017 was the editing/re-writing of a more than a 100 case studies, some of which appear on the Genesis web site in the sections dealing with financial services strategy, applied behavioural economics, monitoring and evaluation, regulatory economic and accounting, and competition economics.

Efficient Group

Ongoing


Efficient Group, an integrated financial services group, is also a long-standing client. In 2017, I again wrote the narrative section of the group's annual Integrated Report, developed sponsorship proposals, and developed a range of communications content, including media releases and client newsletters.

Ince

Ongoing 


Ince, a marketing and communications agency based in Sandton, is another long-standing client.

In 2017, the agency commissioned me to work on the SAA Corporate Five-Year Plan, to edit/re-write a number of journal entires for the South African Actuarial Journal, and to develop the narrative section of the Vunani Limited annual integrated report

Future Media

Ongoing


As I do every year, I interviewed a number of graduate recruits working in large consulting firms on behalf of Future Media and developed profiles of them for publication in the 2018 edition of CareersSA.


Ansys

Ongoing

In 2017, I produced a range of communications content for Ansys (now Etion), a digital technology solutions provider. This included media releases, SENS announcements, executive profiles, employee newsletters, and proposals. I also contributed to the group's strategy and business plan for 2018, as well as to its PR and marketing plan..

Examples of the work I did for Ansys include:
Celebrating a milestone year (a newsletter for clients and analysts);
Ansys delivers exceptional financial results (a media release announcing FY2017 results); and
A new form of defence for a new form of attack (a media release about cybersecurity innovations).

Metrofile

Ongoing


In 2017, I developed communications content, including radio scripts, for two Metrofile promotional campaigns, the Metrofile Active Filing Campaign and the Metrofile More Then Business As Usual Campaign


~

2016

Efficient Group

Ongoing


As I did in 2015, I developed the content for the Efficient Group's Integrated Report for 2016. I also developed other communications content for the group, including media releases, mailers and newsletters.

Genesis Analytics

Ongoing


In 2016 I edited over 100 project descriptions (case studies) for Genesis Analytics. I also produced a range of mailers and developed the copy for the firm's updated web site.

The mailers included:
The banking economics of an own goal; and
Dependence on commodity exports: where to from here

Ansys

Ongoing

In 2016, I was commissioned to develop a range of communications content for Ansys Limited, a digital technoloy solutions provider. This included inserts for the Ansys Integrated Report for 2016, results announcements, holding statements and media releases. Examples of the inserts for the integrated report include the Defence and Information Sector Overview and the Telecommunications Sector Overview.
 

Sappi Limited

Ongoing


I continue to do ad hoc work for Sappi Limited, which has been a client since I established my consultancy in 2002.

In January 2016, I was commissioned to complete the documentation related to Sappi South Africa's entry into the international Gold Quill Awards, an initiative of the International Association of Business Communicators. The entry related to Sappi's sponsorship of and participation in the 2015 Innibos National Arts Festival.

Edelman

July-August 2016 

One of the ad hoc projects I worked on in 2016 was the development of the content for a new corporate profile for the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC), which was commissioned by Edleman.

IT! Marketing

June-July 2016

In June 2016, IT! Marketing, a regular client, commissioned me to develop the content for the new Contract Zone web site. Contract Zone provides standardised legal documents and a range of other services for independent businesses. 

~

2015

Efficient Group

September - October 2015


In 2015, the Efficient Group, an integrated JSE-listed financial services group, took the decision to outsource the writing of its annual integrated report. I wrote, edited and proofread the group's 2015 integrated report, which can be accessed here.

Johannesburg SPCA

Ongoing

During the course of 2015, I developed a wide range of communications for the Johannesburg SPCA, including a new suite of brochures. These included a bequests brochure and leaflet, an adoptions brochure and leaflet, an education and outreach leaflet, a fireworks leaflet , a rabies leaflet and a vaccinations leaflet, amongst many others. These are no longer available on the JSPCA web site, but JPEG copies are available from me on request.


PR Powerhouse

Ongoing


Throughout 2015, I continude to develop a wide range of content for PR Powerhouse, a public relations and communications agency based in Johannesburg. Work I did for the agency during the course of the year included media releases, features, thought leadership articles, op-ed features, corporate profiles and various other marketing and promotional communications. I am the outsourced writer for the agency and handle all of its writing and editing requirements.


PR Powerhouse's clients include Foshizi Mass Market Research, Novo Nordisk, MaerskSasria, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).


Metrofile

Ongoing


Metrofile, a leading records and information management company operating throughout South Africa, is an established client. During the course of the year, work that I did for the group included writing video copy and web content, as well as writing up case studies.


Genesis Analytics

Ongoing



Genesis Analytics, an economics consultancy working in the developing economies of Africa, the Middle East and India, is also a well-established client. In 2015 I continued to write and/or edit web content, executive profiles, economics reports and case studies for the firm.


Genesis Analytics has offices in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai and Delhi.

Nairobi

 ~

2014

Rand Water

November 2014 - February 2015



The largest project I worked on in 2014 was a 200-page history of Rand Water, dating from the establishment of the first mining camp in what was to become Johannesburg right through to the present day.

The project involved re-writing, editing and proofreading basic draft copy supplied by the client, as well as writing several sections, such as the introduction, from scratch. The history will be published in hardcover and electronic format, and will be used for a variety of different purposes.



Johannesburg SPCA

Ongoing

I was also privileged to have been commissioned to develop the content for the Johannesburg SPCA's suite of communications elements, including its leaflets and brochures.

The JSPCA is one of the oldest and largest animal welfare organisations in South Africa, and receives no government funding. It depends solely on donations, sponsorships and bequests to do its invaluable work.

In May 2015, I was commissioned to update all of the JSPCA's communications content to reflect new information.


WWF South Africa

June 2014 - October 2014

During the course of 2014, I edited a number of large reports for WWF South Africa. These included:
  • Shuffling Feet: Institutional Investor Attitudes to Climate Change Portfolio Risks;
  • Corporate Renewable Energy Procurement in South Africa;
  • Renewable Energy Vision 2030; and
  • The Greening of Social Housing.
~

2013

Genesis Analytics / IdeaHub / ElloJo / PR Powerhouse

Ongoing

In 2013, ongoing work for established clients such as Genesis Analytics, IdeaHub, ElloJo and PR Powerhouse included media releases, editorial features, thought leadership features, results announcements, holding statements, executive speeches, web content, brochure copy, case studies, management biographies, expert profiles etc.

Examples include a media release entitled e-Mobilising the nation, commissioned for the Technology Innovation Agency by PR Powerhouse, and a thought leadership feature entitled Working smart in CSI, commissioned for the Transnet Foundation by IdeaHub.


Also commissioned by IdeaHub was an executive speech for the CEO of BankSETA. This was delivered at the graduation ceremony of the BankSETA-funded Letsema Learnership Programme.
"At BANKSETA, we are acutely aware of how important education, training and skills transfer is to long-term success, both at an individual and socio-economic level. More than that, we understand that workplace experience is vital if candidates are to be able to build productive careers in today’s tough economic climate." 

QUAD (London)

January 2013 - December 2013

During 2013, I did a number of travel features for the freelance agency QUAD in London. These included a feature entitled Discover magic Vietnam for the Hayes and Jarvis web site and Your passport to a lifetime of memories for the Disneyland Paris web site.

 

Arcay Corporate Communications

April 2013 - August 2013

Further project-based work included several media releases and op-ed features for Arcay Corporate Communications (Pty) Ltd. These included an op-ed feature entitled What Obama's visit means to Africa, commissioned for the CEO of GE Africa by the agency.

President Barack Obama visits the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation during his 2013 visit to South Africa (The Guardian)  

Johannesburg SPCA

October 2013 - December 2013

In 2013, I welcomed the JSPCA (previously a regular client) back into my portfolio of clients. During the last quarter of the year, I developed the copy for the new Johannesburg SPCA web site, as well as for a number of brochures and a fundraising appeal. Note that the client updates the home page and interviews with staff on the web site on an ad-hoc basis.

 

Brand Leadership

October 2013 - December 2013

In the last quarter of 2013, I was commissioned to produce corporate communications and crisis communications policy for the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) by Brand Leadership (Pty) Ltd. Policy work is not in the public domain, so I'm unable to post examples here.

~

2012

Genesis Analytics

Ongoing


Genesis Analytics, a specialist economics consultancy operating throughout Africa, the Middle East and India, regularly contracts me to develop various types of communications content for the firm, as well as to edit corporate reports for large financial services clients.

Amongst other work done for Genesis, I've written up or edited case studies, expert profilesboard facilitation papers, banking briefs, country practice profiles and fact sheets. One of the larger projects undertaken for this client in 2012 was the development of the content for the firm's new web site.

 

PR Powerhouse

Ongoing


I have been developing media releases and web content for PR Powerhouse since it was established in 2011. This has included work for Novo NordiskNovartis, Maersk, Afcon and the Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation.

Examples include an editorial feature entitled Four out of five people with diabetes experience hypoglycaemia, which was commissioned for Novo Nordisk by the agency.

Crazy Grape Media

November 2012 - December 2012

In late 2012, I was contracted by Crazy Grape Media to develop two detailed corporate features for an upcoming book on business sustainability. These included a feature entitled Unilever's bold journey towards sustainability. The book, which features South Africa's top corporations, is due to be published by the Gordon Institute of Business Science in 2014.

Ince

October 2012


In October, I was contracted by Ince to develop web site content for the Vhukoni Incentive Programme, a bursary and support services initiative funded by TOSACO, a broad-based black economic empowerment consortium, and Calulo Investments, a pan-African investment house. The content is not longer available online, but a text version is available here

Vuma Reputation Management

August 2012 - November 2012

In mid-2012 I undertook several projects for Vuma Reputation Management. These included the handling of project management on several key accounts, the development of crisis communications strategy, and the development of crisis communications content.

Mondi

June 2012

In June, I developed an executive presentation called The Story of Paper for Mondi Limited. This was aimed at junior high school learners, and was great fun to work on.

 

African Business Database Limited

June 2011 - February 2012

In June 2011, I was contracted by African Business Database Limited to develop comprehensive 50-page profiles for each of Nigeria's 36 states, as well as for the capital of Abuja. These were to be used to promote the country in its embassies and consulates, to foreign governments, at trade fairs, to the global tourism industry and to a range of foreign investors.

Regretfully, due to the social and political unrest that developed in Nigeria during the 2011 festive season, the project was cancelled after only twelve profiles had been completed.

 ~

2010/2011

PR Powerhouse

Ongoing

Examples of work commissioned by PR Powerhouse in 2011include an editorial entitled Managing diabetes is about more than just medicine, which was commissioned for Novo Nordisk, and The argument for a more muscular internal audit function, commissioned for auditing firm SekelaXabiso.
  

Road Accident Fund

January 2011 to November 2011

Throughout 2011, I edited and paginated the Road Accident Fund's internal newsletter, The Road Ahead. The newsletters are 56-page publications, and cover a wide range of subjects. They are distributed to staff, government and key stakeholders quarterly.

Sappi: The Paper Story

September 2010 to June 2011

From September 2010, I worked on developing a history of paper called The Paper Story for Sappi Paper and Paper Packaging. This involved researching, compiling and paginating a 72-page booklet, as well as developing the creative brief for the design.The selected design concept is available here.

Sappi: The Katerva Challenge

September 2010 to June 2011

In October, I developed Sappi's entry for the Katerva Challenge. Katerva is a global sustainability initiative, which acts as a catalyst for the development of solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems. The client requested that the entry be made using a social media platform rather than in document format, and I wrote and compiled the submission.

Unfortunately, the platform on which it was developed, Xtranormal, has since closed, so the video is no longer available for viewing.

 

Sappi: 'i choose paper' Campaign

February 2010 to December 2010

'i choose paper' was Sappi's first consumer campaign, and was specifically designed to inform consumers of the benefits of using fully-sustainable paper packaging in preference to other non-sustainable and environmentally-damaging options.

I'm proud to have developed the strategy for this campaign and to have conceptualised and developed all of the communications elements with the sterling input of my design associate, Cilmi Steyn of Steyn Photo&Graphic, and the able assistance of web designer Mark of Bellboy Media. The campaign web site is no longer available online, but an ad developed for the campaign is embedded below and is also available here. Further elements are available on request.

i Choose Paper A4 Ad by on Scribd

 

C-Squared

January 2010 to December 2010

Throughout 2010, I was contracted by the C-Squared PR agency to write media releases, annual report content, conference material and executive speeches for Sasria, South Africa's only special risks insurer.

These included, amongst others, features examining the potential terrorist threat during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and commentary on the effects of the Public Service strike that followed. I was also contracted to develop media content for the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MPTA).

FirstRand

October 2010

In October, FirstRand contracted me to write up a business case for an expansion into a new country, based on original information and documentation supplied by the client.

Gillian Gamsay International

September 2010 to October 2010

In September and October, I was contracted by Gillian Gamsy International to develop all of the media content for the international Diabetes Leadership Forum Africa, which was held in preparation for the UN World Diabetes Forum planned for 2011. I was also contracted to edit the conference report.

Sappi ReFibre

August 2010 to September 2010

In August and September, I was contracted to conceptualise and develop a web site for the newly-relaunched Sappi ReFibre division. Mark of Bellboy Media did the build. The site we developed is unfortunately no longer available online, but further information about Sappi ReFibre is available here.


SABIA

July 2010 to August 2010

An unexpected and welcome addition to the client portfolio in 2010 was SABIA, the South Africa Bridal Industry Academy. In July and August, I was contracted to develop marketing and media communications for both the academy and its annual Brides' Choice Awards. Media features I conceptualised and developed included, amongst others, double-page special features on the Brides' Choice Awards for Sunday Times, City Press, Rapport and You magazine.


Business Partners

April 2010 to June 2010

From April through June, I was contracted to write the 2010 Business Partners Annual Report (PDF 2.7MB).

I had been writing the annual report and other media content for Business Partners since I was the company's Group Marketing Manager in 2002. At that time, I developed the strategy for the re-launch of the Business Partners brand and conceptualised and implemented the company's new branding. The design for the 2010 annual report was developed by Business Partners' ad agency at the time.

FinBond

May 2010

In May, I was contracted to do an extensive re-write of the FinBond 2010 Annual Report, based on an initial draft developed by the client.

THRIP

April 2010

In April, I was sub-contracted to write up the 2010 marketing strategy for THRIP (the national government's Technology and Human Resources in Industry Programme), based on an initial outline developed by the client.
~

2009

Business Partners

As I had done since 2002, I wrote the 2009 Business Partners Annual Report.

Click through here to view the report in PDF format: 2009 Business Partners Annual Report.

 

 

 

National Treasury and others

Demand for freelance writing and editing was high in 2009, and some of the projects I worked on, either as a writer/editor or a contributing writer/editor, included:
  • The Estimates of Expenditure for the 2009 National Budget (one of four contributing editors)
  • Media releases and editorials for such companies and institutions as Network Alliance, Bonitas, FeverTreeConsulting, GijimaAst, Grindrod Bank, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), Monitoring SA (MS), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and TechnoServe (writer)
  • Content for the annual reports of the National Empowerment Fund, SITA (State Information and Technology Agency) and The Freedom Park, as well as for the five-year report of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) (contributing writer)
  • The documentation of a number of short case studies for Genesis Analytics (writer/editor)
  • A number of expert biographies for Genesis Analytics (writer/editor)
  • New web site copy for Genesis Analytics (writer/editor)

 

  Sappi Kraft

In line with previous strategies developed for Sappi Kraft, I developed a new marketing and communications strategy for the division's entire coated products range.
~ 

2008

Wiphold Corporate Profile

This annual corporate profile for Women's Investment Portfolio Holdings (Wiphold) appeared in the Mail and Guardian of 28 November 2008.

Working as a ghostwriter, I researched and wrote the content for this supplement, which focuses on the new investment models being developed and implemented by this unique group.

To read the copy in MS Word format, click through to Wiphold Corporate Profile.



African Bank 2008 HIV/Aids Report


At the beginning of November 2008, I finished writing the African Bank 2008 HIV/Aids Report, which gives details of the bank's involvement in the fight against HIV/Aids in South Africa.

I conceptualised the layout, and did the writing, editing and proofreading for this project.

To read the copy in MS Word format, please click through to African Bank 2008 HIV/Aids Report.


Push Print Media Features


Throughout the year, I wrote one or two lead articles every month for Avusa Media's online newsletter, PushPrint.

Unfortunately, these features are no longer available online, but two examples include: How important is ethical consumerism really? and Social networking in the marketing mix. Further examples or screen grabs in HTML format are available on request.


Business Partners Annual Report


As I've done since 2002, I wrote the Business Partners Annual Report this year. Click through here to view the report in PDF format.


Mail and Guardian Special Features


Two special features that I developed appeared in the Mail and Guardian in 2008.

The first was a feature on Arbor Week, which appeared in the 'Greening the Future' supplement in September. To read the copy in MS Word format, click through to Arbor Week Feature.

The second was a feature on PhytoTrade Africa, which appeared in a supplement on the expo in October. To read the copy in MS Word format, click through to PhytoTrade Africa Feature.


PG BISON


A new ad and advertorial campaign developed for PG Bison was launched in July 2008

The first three features in this series, a corporate DPS, and one each for office and kitchen products, appeared in publications such as Designing Ways, Design, KBB (Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms) and Wood SA.

I developed the concept for this campaign, and the design was based on previous work done by Pump Advertising. The design, layout and typesetting was done by my design associate, Cilmi Steyn of CM Steyn Photo&Graphic, and I developed the copy, as well as fulfilling the role of project manager on the project.


If you would like to see JPEGS of any of this material, please don't hesitate to be in touch with me.
~

Prior to 2008

These are just a few examples of work done prior to 2008:

 

Corporate and Marketing Communications

  • Business Partners Limited: 2007 Annual Report (PDF 2.5MG)
  • Sappi Limited: JSE Profile (2007) (MS Word) 
  • Business Partners Limted: Tourism Fund Brochure - This is one of a suite of new brochures that I conceptualised, developed and wrote for Business Partners (2006) (PDF)
  • Business Partners Limited: Empowerment Fund Brochure - Another example from the same suite as the Tourism Fund Brochure (2006) (PDF)
  • Furman Glass: Corporate Brochure - One element produced as part of a complete corporate re-branding project (2004) (PDF)
  • Furman Glass: Decor Poster - Another element in the re-branding campaign (2004) (PDF)

 

Media Communications

Absa - Living the Good Life Feature: A Fresh Take on Fresh
If you would like to read the text of this feature in MS Word, click through to DJ Fresh Feature.