Independent Announces New Editorial Appointments including New Deputy Editor

16 March 2015

Independent Media today announced wide-ranging editorial appointments at the Cape Times, ushering in a new era in the newspaper's 139-year history.

Aziz Hartley has been appointed Deputy Editor of the Cape Times, further continuing an emotional affinity with a newspaper where he started 35 years ago at the lowest rungs in the newsroom.

His task was to bring to the newsroom documents and minutes of meetings and briefings in Parliament, before being given his editorial break by long-time Cape Times news editor, Colin Howell.

Today, after excelling as a reporter and on the Cape Times news desk, Independent Media is extremely proud to promote Aziz to the newspaper's second most senior position as Deputy Editor.

"Aziz's appointment means a great deal to all of us at Independent Media. He has given his heart and soul to the Cape Times and has worked himself up from his bootstraps to becoming one of the most respected and valued members of our company. We are absolutely delighted to promote him today to the position of Deputy Editor. 

"This appointment is testament to the development of our people and our commitment to real transformation of the media industry based on ability. We know Aziz will do us proud and continue to be the asset he has always been to our company as he assumes this leadership position at the Cape Times", said Executive Chairman of Independent Media, Dr Iqbal Survé. 

Other key appointments made today were that of former Cape Times soccer writer John Goliath, who has been appointed rugby writer and Ashfak Mohamed, a political science graduate, who has been appointed acting news editor. 

"John has established himself as one of the country's finest soccer writers and his regular ‘Anchorman' column is a popular feature in the Cape Times. With Ashfak, he formed part of a dynamic sports department at the Cape Times and as Ashfak progresses in his career we are confident John will handle the important rugby portfolio with the same aplomb, ability and charisma he brought to his football writing. Ashfak's thoughtful rugby analysis will be missed, but we have great plans for his progression in the company and we are confident he will handle the step up into a senior newsroom role very well", said Editor of the Cape Times, Aneez Salie.

Independent Media has recognised the importance of strengthening the editorial team of the Cape Times so that it continues to provide a quality news offering. In addition to the above appointments, the following key permanent positions have also been announced: Lisa Isaacs, Carlo Petersen, Francesca Villette, Nicolette Dirk, Siyavuya Mzantsi and Sandiso Phaliso.

"Our appointments reflect recognition of talent and experience and is in line with our commitment to a transformed newsroom", said Aneez Salie. 

"The likes of Francesca, Lisa and Siyavuya are graduates of the famed Cape Peninsula University of Technology conveyor belt of top quality journalism graduates who have established a formidable reputation over the years. They bring much-needed freshness and vigour to the Cape Times as we embark on a new era at the paper. Carlo too is a seasoned reporter who has established himself as one of the Cape Times' biggest editorial assets in recent times, while Nicolette and Sandiso will also lend considerable expertise to our newsroom," Salie said.

These appointments come into effect immediately. 

Statement issued by Lutfia Vayej, Group Executive: Marketing and Communication, Independent Media Group, March 16 2015

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