AS PART of its strategy to strengthen its weekend offering in the Western Cape, Independent Media yesterday 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 percent compared to the industry decline of 3.1 percent, according to the recent Audited Bureau of Circulation, which measures the circulation of newspapers and magazines on a quarterly basis.
Hartley, the current Cape Times deputy editor, 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 (Iqbal) 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 Survé highlighted Hartley’s role in the repositioning of the Cape Times under editor 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 Survé.
Weekend Argus on Saturday will continue under the editorship of Chiara Carter.
Replacing Aziz is Carlo Petersen, appointed senior editor. 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 the Daily Voice.
After a short break, he joined the company again as a reporter for the Cape Times in October 2014.
Most recently Petersen displayed 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.
Hartley and Petersen will take up their new positions on September 1.