Cape Town journalist Kashiefa Ajam has been named editor of Weekend Argus sister title Saturday Star, while Mazwi Xaba was announced editor of Durban isiZulu newspaper Isolezwe.
Ajam, who has been acting editor of Saturday Star for the past 18 months, was hailed as “exceptional and innovative” by Independent Media executive chairman Dr Iqbal Survé.
Xaba, who rejoined Isolezwe as acting editor in March following the resignation of Sazi Hadebe, was part of the founding editorial team who launched the title in 2002.
He has also served as deputy editor of the Sunday Tribune.
“I’ve come full circle, from helping to get the publication off the ground to being at the helm. It is an honour for me to serve our readers in their mother tongue and help to grow vernacular media in South Africa,” said Xaba.
Isolezwe is South Africa’s biggest vernacular publication. Its Saturday and Sunday publications, Isolezwe Ngomgqibelo and Isolezwe NgeSonto, reach more than 2.2 million readers.
“Growing the vernacular market is part of Independent Media’s strategy. Mazwi, with his wealth of editorial experience and his solid understanding of his readers’ and advertisers’ needs, will play a valuable role in executing our strategy,” Survé said, wishing him and the team continued success.
Survé added that Ajam’s appointment was well-deserved, and based on “excellence and merit”.
The appointment also reflected the company’s focus on appointing female editors, of whom there were now seven.
Ajam, from Mitchells Plain, started her career as an intern at the Cape Times, after which she worked as a TV sports journalist.
She moved from Cape Town to the Saturday Star in 2004.
Weekend Argus