Agang South Africa has appointed a top South African editor as its Director of Communications
Thabo Leshilo, who will take up his appointment on June 1, has served as Editor in-Chief of the Sowetan and Sunday World, Editor of the Pretoria News, Editor of the Business Times and Public Editor for all eight newspapers in the former Avusa group.
"We are excited to have someone of Thabo's extraordinary public stature to direct our communications strategy and operation," said Dr Mamphela Ramphele, leader of Agang.
"With Campaign Director Nkosinathi Solomon, he will bring vast skills and experience to Agang."
Mr Leshilo comes to Agang from two top-level positions in international public relations companies, after 22 years of experience in South African journalism.
He has also held the prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University in the United States. He joins Agang from Public Relations company, FleishmanHillard South Africa, where he was a media strategist and director. Before joining FleishmanHillard last year, he was CEO of Magna Carta Public Relations.
Mr Leshilo is a past winner of the coveted Sanlam Business Journalist of the Year Award - in the small business section. He is credited with the successful relaunch of Sowetan, which had suffered a huge loss in circulation.
He left the newspaper in August 2008 to take up the Nieman Fellowship, where he concentrated on leadership studies and new media. He has served on the board of SA Press Association, Autism South Africa and is a board member of the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism. He is also been the convenor of the judging panel for the South African Breweries Sports Journalist of the Year competition.
Mr Leshilo has a Bachelor of Administration degree from the University of Limpopo, with majors in International Relations and Public Administration.
Agang announced the appointment of Mr Solomon, a leading South African banking executive, earlier this week. He is currently employed by ABSA as Chief Operations Officer: Life Assurance Business.
Announcing his appointment, Dr Ramphele said "We're excited at the quality of people we are attracting."
Statement issued by Ali Merifield, Agang South Africa - a party political platform that will contest the 2014 elections, May 19 2013
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