Haffajee to helm City Press

The promotion of Khathu Mamaila as GM of City Press was also announced at the same time. According to a press statement, Media24 views these appointments as further strengthening City Press' independent focus on quality journalism and content and as “strengthening its Distinctly African brand”.

“An honour”

Ferial Haffajee

Commented Haffajee, “I am most excited at taking the helm of City Press, a newspaper I read religiously and enjoy enormously. It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of Mathatha Tsedu and Khathu Mamaila, both of whom have honed a fine medium for the 21st century.

“I hope to inject a touch of Afropolitanism into the paper and to bring with me some of the investigative journalism I have learnt at my alma mater, the Mail & Guardian. There is a fine team in place and I look forward to working with them and in a company known for its entrepreneurialism and verve.”

Haffajee has distinguished herself in the South African and international arena. Some of her achievements include Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum (2008), Media Woman of the Year (2006, The Media magazine) and she is an active member and alumni of the Africa Leadership Institute. She is also a former chairperson of the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) and serves on the board of the World Editors' Forum (WEF).

In journalism for 20 years

Mamaila, who takes on the position of GM of City Press, has been in journalism for 20 years. He joined City Press as deputy editor in May 2004 and he was promoted to become editor in 2007. Mamaila holds a BA degree from Unisa, an MBA from GIBS, University of Pretoria and last year completed a leadership and management programme at Wits Business School.

About his new role, Mamaila said, “When I did my MBA, the plan was that I would one day cross the floor from editorial to management. I did not know that it would happen so soon. I must express my deepest gratitude to the management of Media24 for the confidence they have displayed in entrusting me with taking care of the business side of City Press.”

“It is a pleasure to welcome Ferial on board and we congratulate Khathu on his promotion. Through City Press, Media24 has produced a newspaper of the highest quality, integrity and passion. We are confident that Ferial, Khathu and the team will take City Press to the next level of its growth,” said Francois Groepe, CEO of Media24.

For more:TheHarbinger.co.za: Watch out Sunday Times, here comes Haffajee!