As part of its strategy to strengthen its weekend offering in the Cape, Independent Media has announced the appointment of Aziz Hartley as editor of Weekend Argus Sunday.
This move is in line with the growth of Independent Media’s share of the weekend newspaper market which grew by 1% compared to the industry decline of 3.1%, according to the recent Audited Bureau of Circulation which measures the circulation of newspapers and magazines on a quarterly basis.
Aziz Hartley, who is the current deputy editor of Cape Times, has a long history with the company. In 1979 he joined the group as a general cleaner and gradually worked his way through the ranks – from messenger to editorial assistant, newsroom secretary, reporter and night news editor. In March 2015, he was appointed deputy editor of the Cape Times, working alongside editor Aneez Salie.
“Since joining the Cape Times I have always aspired to become an editor. It was one of my life dreams. While this is a dream fulfilled, I am truly humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me.
“This is a challenge and while I am not naive about the size of the task at hand, I also regard this as a big opportunity. I am immensely thankful for the guidance and support from people like Aneez Salie, Dr Survé and colleague, Gasant Abarder. I'm looking forward to a constructive relationship with my colleagues at the Sunday Argus and I'm sure together we will take the publication to greater heights.”
In congratulating Hartley, Independent Media executive chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé highlighted Hartley’s role in the repositioning of the Cape Times under editor Aneez Salie.
“Aziz has been integral to the repositioning of the Cape Times into the publication that it is today – an inclusive, quality, non-racial newspaper that believes diversity of viewpoints is essential to promoting a flourishing, dynamic democracy. He has ably supported the editor and helped to guide the editorial teams with his wealth of knowledge and experience. I know he will do very well with his new challenge”, said Independent Media executive chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé.
Weekend Argus on Saturday will continue under the editorship of Chiara Carter.
Replacing Aziz in a senior editorial capacity is Carlo Petersen. Petersen started off his career at Independent Media as an intern reporter in the community newspaper division in 2004 followed by stints in various divisions including Independent Online and Daily Voice. After a short break, he joined the company again as a reporter for the Cape Times in October 2014.
Most recently Carlo showed his journalistic talent when he brought to light the #RhodesMustFall campaign which heralded the start of transformation initiatives on university campuses around the country. This, in turn, led to the #FeesMustFall campaign which has brought the cost of higher education under the spotlight.
“This appointment is quite emotional for me for a number of reasons. It shows the faith my superiors have in my ability. I would like to thank Aneez, Aziz and Dr Survé as well as all my colleagues for supporting me through all the storms we have faced. Being part of an amazing team of reporters and editors at Cape Times has inspired me to never give up – no matter what. I hope I can do the same for them as we work towards an even brighter future for the Cape Times”, said Petersen.
Hartley and Petersen take up their new positions on 1 September 2016.
Independent Media