Mathatha Tsedu appointed editor of Sunday Times

Tsedu (50) is at present Deputy Chief Executive of SABC News. He replaces Mike Robertson who was promoted to the position of Publisher of the Sunday Times with effect from July 1.

Johnnic Publishing Chief Executive Officer Connie Molusi said: "Mathatha Tsedu is one of South Africa's most respected and accomplished journalists. The Board has no doubt that under his inspired leadership the Sunday Times will build on its already dominant position in the market and continue to grow its reputation as the country's leading provider of knowledge that enriches the lives of its readers."

The latest AMPS survey has established that the Sunday Times has a massive readership of 3,490 million while the latest ABC figures show the paper's circulation grew to 505 457 copies a week in the first six months of this year.

Mathatha Tsedu was educated at Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Limpopo.

He has worked as a journalist for the past 24 years spending 20 years on the Sowetan where he rose to the position of Political Editor. During his time at the Sowetan he was banned for six years. He left to join the Sunday Independent as deputy editor in 1998 and a year later was appointed deputy editor of the Star. He joined the SABC in July 2001.

Tsedu was awarded the prestigious Niemann Fellowship in 1996/7. He is also a winner of the Nat Nakasa Award for courageous journalism.

He is at present chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum.