[NewsMaker] Bongani Siqoko

Q: What does your new appointment mean to you?
A: It is a huge honour... one I did not see coming. All the while I was being the editor of the Daily Dispatch here in East London and little did I know that someone was watching me. I really feel like I am living the dream right now. However, I will always hold dear my time in the Eastern Cape and at the Daily Dispatch. It has shaped who I am and my approach as an editor. So, while this appointment is certainly a great milestone in my career, I cherish the journey and the people I've met along way for more than the actual accolade.

Q: What will you do first, on taking up your new position on 11 January 2016?
A: Being that I have never worked at the Sunday Times, one thing that I want to avoid is starting out with preconceived ideas about the paper and business. My plan is to do a lot of listening to staff and everyone else responsible for putting together the Sunday Times. So I guess my first few days and weeks will be spent in meetings trying to understand the business and plan for the future.

Q: What will be your main business challenge?
A: The greatest obstacle for any print media editor these days has to be keeping the medium relevant to the reader in the digital age. As such, all focus will be ensuring that we are delivering news that not only is at the pulse of the nation, but is also delivered in the most immediate and current way possible.

Q: Most important attribute needed to do your job?
A: First and foremost, it is respect for the reader.

Q: The biggest trend to note in the media industry?
A: I think the biggest trend, or rather opportunity in the media, especially for print media, is to really affirm the trust and support of readers and to regain trust where it has been lost. The media is centre stage for any democratic nation and I think the current political landscape has created a perfect opportunity for journalists to step up and remind the nation of the important role that the media plays in our country.

Q: How will you make an impact?
A: To succeed you need to have a highly motivated team. I plan to focus my energy on building and uplifting morale. The second one is getting buy-in from staff. Once we have our new editorial and business strategy in place, we will spend a lot of time selling it to the team and making sure that every member of the team buys into it. Lastly we will be building and establishing partnerships with other departments like circulation, sales and marketing.

Q: What inspires you?
A: The integrity and craft of the men and women who tell stories that shift mindsets and provoke thought, inspires me greatly. And of course, my lovely wife and children are my greatest inspirations.

Q: What are you currently reading for work?
A: The World Association of Newspapers Innovation report for 2015. It is a fascinating read and you get to understand how far behind is South Africa from the rest of the world in terms of journalism innovation.

Q: Tell us something about yourself not generally known
A: I am a decent cook!

Q: At the top of my 'bucket list' is...
A: I would love to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

*Listen to this interview with Siqoko about his new position at the Sunday Times