The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has appointed Phathiswa Magopeni as the Group Executive: News and Current Affairs effective from the 01st of March 2018. Magopeni has a long career in broadcasting especially in the news environment.
In a statement, the SABC said, “This appointment is in line with the corporation’s continuous commitment to ensure that all Group Executive vacancies are filled in order to achieve sound governance in all the SABC’s business units. It also affirms our commitment to attract and retain the best skills to address the evolving broadcasting environment enabled by technology.”
Reacting to the news of her appointment Ms. Magopeni said, “South Africa’s public broadcaster has always played an indispensable role in the democratic order of the country, but it has also always had a special place in my own life. My first job in broadcasting was with the SABC. I learnt a lot there, and have learnt much in the industry since. Hopefully all that can be of use because this is for me a welcome return to where it all began. I am humbled by the trust shown in me, and look forward to being part of an institution which is crucial to providing independent news and information to South Africa’s citizenry”.
The SABC’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Mr. Chris Maroleng said, “As a public broadcaster we recognise the pivotal role played by news and information in human, social and economic growth and development. We therefore saw it fit to appoint Ms. Magopeni as she has the expertise in the broadcasting industry and we believe that her appointment will further strengthen our position as a credible and reliable news and information provider in the country as we approach the national general elections in 2019”.
Mr. Maroleng further stated that, “We welcome Ms. Magopeni back to the SABC where she first cut her teeth in the broadcasting arena. We urge all staff members to welcome and support her in her role as the new Group Executive for news and current affairs division”.
