"I am very excited to be part of an ambitious team that produces South Africa's biggest weekend paper and has published in an indigenous language," points out Mbatha. "My passion for the Zulu language and its media, combined with my understanding of this market and the social and political landscape of the province made this a natural fit for both parties."
Mbatha, born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal, worked as a freelancer at the defunct Next Magazine after graduating and then became a freelance journalist for Independent Newspapers. He did news reporting for titles such as the Post and Independent on Saturday until he moved into sports, which culminated in him becoming a founding member and sports editor of Isolezwe in 2002. His continued interest in other sections of the paper saw him become the editor within three years, after filling in as acting editor in 2005. Mbatha was also responsible for launching the Sunday edition of Isolezwe in 2008 with this title growing under his leadership.
"Over and above his wealth of expertise and local relationships, he will not only play a crucial role in this region for the Avusa group but will add further value to our team of editors that courageously initiate conversations about issues that should be a priority on every South African's agenda," says Makhanya.
"He has been one of the country's most successful editors while leading Isolezwe and his appointment is evidence of just how seriously we are taking our Zulu Edition," adds Ray Hartley, editor of Sunday Times.
