Real Magazine appoints Lerato Tshabalala as Assistant Editor

As part of its aim of shaping a new generation of experienced, talented and passionate black journalists, Real magazine has appointed Lerato Tshabalala as its new Assistant Editor.

Publisher Jonathan Harris says: "We are committed to developing the next generation of South African writers, editors and publishers. We have been looking for someone who can bring with them a strong editorial background and an excellent understanding of our target reader and Lerato is definitely that person."

Launched in December last year, Real is a dynamic new entrant to the black women's magazine sector that already resonates with readers across the country, having achieved over an 80% sell through for its January and February editions. And it seems things are going from strength to strength, with this latest addition to its editorial staff.

Editor-in-chief, Nechama Brodie explains: "Our goal is for Lerato to take over as Real editor within the next 12 months, during which time we will be putting her through an intense training and leadership programme, aimed at building on her existing editorial strengths, by exposing her to the business management aspects of magazine publishing."

A born and bred Sowetan, the ebullient Tshabalala spent the first years of her life in Meadowlands but relocated to one of its toughest neighborhoods Zola, at the age of 12. She completed her Matric and after graduating from college with a journalism diploma, Tshabalala spent a short time at Drum magazine, followed by a position at Fairlady Magazine in Cape Town in 2000. Her experience was later cemented as Women's editor at Drum magazine and senior features writer at Marie Claire Magazine.