Jenny is the power behind PERI-Post, the Nando’s triannual staff magazine. Which is sizzling hot. This fabulously engaging and quirky publication perfectly reflects the close and supportive culture that underpins this so-proudly South African chain. PERI-Post is unique in its category, and its production is an editing triumph.

Nando’s is a ‘family’, and that is sincerely felt and expressed through the marvellous handling of PERI-Post. It is for the staff – the ‘Nandocas’ – by the staff, from runners through grillers and Patrãos (managers) to the CEO. What stands out is terrific passion; for the staff, the customers, the business and the wider community. The management messages, refreshingly styled as ‘leadership pieces’, are light and limited, but the powerful company values come through on every single page. Generous space is given to employee health and wellness.

The copy is perfectly tailored to the primary target group, which has been well-defined. Each issue is planned and an invitation with guidelines is sent out to Nandocas for contributions on topics directly or indirectly related to the internal brand pillars and the purpose. These comprise about 80% of PERI-Post’s content. Where a submission stands out, Jenny works on converting it to a longer article or interview. Editing a publication of this nature takes enormous effort.

That effort is lightly worn. Peri-Post has such authenticity. The editing is deft with a respectfully light touch. In fact, it is more curated than edited. This is no negligible accomplishment on the part of Jenny and her team.

Of course, it’s clever. The Nando’s vibe is exuberantly on show. Some of the material is provided by ‘Heatwave’ correspondents. There are ‘Magic Moments’, which obviously fuel ‘PERI-formances’. Training programmes are for ‘Hatchlings’.

Jenny is also responsible for all the brand narrative used in Nando’s. In that role she creates, reviews, and edits all internal and external communication, both locally and internationally.

This entry for Editor of the Year is as unique as PERI-post; submitted by a corporate to recognise an external agency. That says it all about the value Jenny represents as part of the Nando’s family.