New water mag launched; Chris Burgess to replace Jean du Preez

"Water issues and water management is a huge part of energy and sustainability, and a major focus worldwide, which makes it a great complementary publication for our existing energy title," says Marlene van Rooyen, editor of 25^º in Africaand Water 360.

As the name suggests, the magazine will differ from its focus to its competitors in that it intends to cover everything to do with water - from strategic water management planning for municipalities to topical issues such as acid mine drainage, water security and supply and local sanitation issues and new water technologies. The aim is to disseminate relevant, topical information to key players in the market, bringing together decision-makers and marrying research, development, technologies and solutions and project funding.

"We are extremely excited about this new magazine. Following the success of our multiple award winning title 25º in Africa, I know we have the package for this title and understand the needs of our readers," says van Rooyen. "We will feature predominantly exclusive, own generated and sourced content, making it an unmissable read for all water engineers, utility managers, environmental officers, and board members".

Chriss Burgess

Burgess will be taking over from Jean du Preez, editorial head of the Media24 agricultural titles, who is retiring later this year.

Says Willem Breytenbach, Media24 Weeklies GM, "Chris Burgess certainly has the editorial skills and relevant experience needed to add value to these titles."

Comments Burgess, "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to once again work on some truly great titles. And to be able to continue working in agriculture is just a fantastic bonus."

Burgess completed his honours degree in journalism in 1997 at Stellenbosch University and was appointed editor of Farmer's Weekly in 2001, a position he has held up until now. At the time he was one of the youngest editors ever to head up a SA national magazine. During his time there the magazine earned several awards, one of which was the Sappi Pica Magazine Award for Best Business Magazine in South Africa (2006).

Burgess was also a finalist in last year's PICA Editor of the Year competition and has also done freelance work for titles such as De Kat, Mail & Guardian, Weg and Go!.

Media24 Weeklies is the publisher of Huisgenoot, You, Drum, Landbouweekblad, Huisgenoot Pols/You Pulse, Huisgenoot Tempo, TV24, FarmingSA, SA Hunter/Jagter and Heat.