#Newsmaker: Wesley Diphoko, Fast Company SA's new editor-in-chief

Wesley Diphoko, Fast Company SA's new editor-in-chief.

“I’m honoured to be appointed editor of Fast Company magazine, the world’s most respected business innovation and technology publication of its kind,” comments Diphoko. “I'm looking forward to growing the local Fast Company edition into an authority on the innovation and technology ecosystem in South Africa.”

He goes on to tell us that he’s looking forward to contributing to the process of shaping the narrative about African innovation. “I’m of the view that African innovation receives less attention and Africans have raised concern about this matter. I’m looking forward to playing my part in correcting the skewed view about African innovation.”

Fast Company magazine announces a new editor-in-chief

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He also shares more about his background in technology and innovation: “Society is at a point where so much is happening in the technology and innovation sectors, and a lot of people are confused and frankly misinformed.

#AfricanOpinion Wesley Diphoko says Africa needs to drive its own digital disruption, most of the technologies used for African problems coming from foreign technology https://t.co/29VNT8B9t5

— Brand Africa (@brandafrica) July 26, 2019

Congrats on your appointment. How do you feel about it?

I feel deeply honoured and excited to be tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the management of this important publication. At the same time, I’m humbled to be in a position to lead a media brand in South Africa with the mandate to inform the nation about technology, innovation and design trends, as well as their impact.

What do you love most about your career and media/publishing in particular?

I started working in the media space for a community newspaper as a correspondent covering the township area. At the time, I had a responsibility to ensure that a neglected community saw itself in the media space.

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I felt that was powerful and I love that about media and publishing. I like the fact that through media, one can make a positive contribution towards advancement of people by giving them a voice via media platforms.

Any other career highlights you’re particularly proud of?

I’ve been writing a technology column for South Africa’s leading financial daily, Business Report. This led to an invitation by SAfm to comment weekly, based on my weekly technology column, about the latest developments in technology and their future impact.

Mr. Wesley Diphoko, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, The Infonomist. The reality of Digital Revolution in Africa. #InternetSummit19 #InternetSummit #DigitalConnectivity @wesleydiphoko pic.twitter.com/j1XN8z83Zx

— Shabier Jacobs (@shabierja) July 25, 2019

Tell us a bit about your experience and how this has equipped you for your new position.

I’ve worked in communications roles, in startups and with technology organisations.

My experience in media, communications as well as the tech sector, has given me the insider advantage as well as media industry experience to develop compelling stories about technology, innovation and design. I don’t write stories based on theory but on lived experience of working with tech and in technology companies.

What’s at the top of your to-do list (at work)?

The integration of print and digital. I believe there should be no division between print and digital. I believe they are one.

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to for work?

In 2019 I had limited time to read. I’m currently reading this book, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Prof Shoshana Zuboff, as I believe it is one of the best books written in our time.

Tell us something about yourself not generally known?

I carry two mobile phones. One is my favourite phone – a Nokia 3310 which is a feature phone. It’s my preferred phone over the always-connected smartphone, because I believe as human beings we need time to disconnect and reflect. This mobile phone allows me to ignore the noise and focus on what matters, especially when I need to focus on work.

For more info, visit FastCompany.co.za or follow the magazine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or LinkedIn. You can also follow Diphoko on Twitter @wesleydiphoko.