Joe Latakgomo, one of South Africa’s most respected journalists, has been announced as Avusa Media’s new public editor, acting as the readers’ representative for heavyweight titles including Sowetan, Sunday World and Sunday Times.
Latakgoma will take the reins as the second Public Editor for Avusa with from 1 May and, in his new role, will continue to give a voice to readers and ensure their interests are served. He will also be responsible for ensuring the Avusa newspapers adhere to editorial policies and the press code, thereby providing truthful, accurate and balanced reporting.
“Latakgomo is recognised as one of the wise elders of South Africa’s journalistic fraternity,” said Avusa Media editor-in-chief Mondli Makhanya.
“His commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence is unsurpassed and, as Avusa, we are privileged to have him as our public editor. In him you have a journalist who was chiselled and sculpted during the worst years of apartheid’s repression of the media and played a key role in developing a culture of fearless reporting in post-apartheid South Africa. Our newsrooms will benefit greatly from his vast experience and commitment to the truth.”
Latakgomo will take the reins from Thabo Leshilo, who was appointed the first public editor in 2009. “We are indebted to Leshilo for his passion for journalism and for the excellent groundwork he made during his tenure. The challenge now is to build on this contribution and for Latakgomo to continue this legacy,” Makhanya said.
Latakgomo, who started his career as a sports reporter at The World newspaper in 1967, has been at the helm of a number of the country’s leading publications; most notably as Acting Editor of Post and Sunday Post and as founding editor of Sowetan. His previous accolades also include completing the Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University from 1990-1991 and his induction into the SAB Sports Journalist Hall of Fame for his lifetime contribution to sports journalism.
Commenting on his appointment Latakgomo said: “The position of Public Editor has become a critical part of newspapers around the world. It shows a newspaper’s commitment to high journalistic standards. As an independent, fair-minded advocate, my experience of over 40 years in journalism will help me deal with issues about which readers raise concern. I look forward to the challenge.”
Avusa Media announces new public editor
Joe Latakgomo, one of South Africa’s most respected journalists, has been announced as Avusa Media’s new public editor, acting as the readers’ representative for heavyweight titles including Sowetan, Sunday World and Sunday Times.
Latakgoma will take the reins as the second Public Editor for Avusa with from 1 May and, in his new role, will continue to give a voice to readers and ensure their interests are served. He will also be responsible for ensuring the Avusa newspapers adhere to editorial policies and the press code, thereby providing truthful, accurate and balanced reporting.
“Latakgomo is recognised as one of the wise elders of South Africa’s journalistic fraternity,” said Avusa Media editor-in-chief Mondli Makhanya.
“His commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence is unsurpassed and, as Avusa, we are privileged to have him as our public editor. In him you have a journalist who was chiselled and sculpted during the worst years of apartheid’s repression of the media and played a key role in developing a culture of fearless reporting in post-apartheid South Africa. Our newsrooms will benefit greatly from his vast experience and commitment to the truth.”
Latakgomo will take the reins from Thabo Leshilo, who was appointed the first public editor in 2009. “We are indebted to Leshilo for his passion for journalism and for the excellent groundwork he made during his tenure. The challenge now is to build on this contribution and for Latakgomo to continue this legacy,” Makhanya said.
Latakgomo, who started his career as a sports reporter at The World newspaper in 1967, has been at the helm of a number of the country’s leading publications; most notably as Acting Editor of Post and Sunday Post and as founding editor of Sowetan. His previous accolades also include completing the Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University from 1990-1991 and his induction into the SAB Sports Journalist Hall of Fame for his lifetime contribution to sports journalism.
Commenting on his appointment Latakgomo said: “The position of Public Editor has become a critical part of newspapers around the world. It shows a newspaper’s commitment to high journalistic standards. As an independent, fair-minded advocate, my experience of over 40 years in journalism will help me deal with issues about which readers raise concern. I look forward to the challenge.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos