Independent Media says that it has an established approach to its business that includes providing opportunities to young talented editors alongside seasoned newsroom stalwarts.

"This combination of fresh energy and seasoned experience resonates with not only the organisation's existing KwaZulu-Natal readership and subscriber base but a broader audience too," adds Independant Media. 

The key senior appointments are as follows:

Sandile Mdadane has been appointed editor of Sunday Tribune. Mdadane has experience in the media industry and has been with the group for the past 12 years.

Philani Mazibuko has been appointed editor of The Mercury. Mazibuko, who has been an integral member of The Mercury’s editorial team for over 15 years, will now helm the region's flagship publication.

Ayanda Mdluli has been appointed editor of Daily News. Mdluli recently headed up Independent’s Special Investigation Unit and now joins the corps of young editors in the group.

Former acting editor of the Daily News Zoubair Ayoob has been appointed editor of Independent on Saturday, while Mazwi Xaba, relinquishing his post as editor of the Independent on Saturday, will assume the position of managing editor for the region.

The executive chairperson of Independent Media Dr Iqbal Survé says, "2020 has been a year of change and challenge for almost everyone in the country, if not beyond our borders. We have taken the view that these challenges are actually opportunities for a fresh start for some, re-thinking how we work and then of course, in injecting new energy into the changing nature of media."

"For the past few years, growing and nurturing our own pool of talent has been a priority in order to ensure a truly transformed and diverse editorial leadership team. These moves bear testimony to the investment that we have made in our transformation strategy," adds Survé.

"Mazwi, Sandile, Philani, Zoubair and Ayanda have an abundance of fresh perspective and energy to lead these titles into the next chapter of their existence and we are excited to see what they deliver. I congratulate each one of them for their achievements and look forward to sharing in further successes in the future," Survé concludes.

Yogas Nair, former editor of The Mercury, will be taking up a senior appointment within the wider group. The details of which will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.independentmedia.co.za.