By REGINALD KANYANE
The National Press Club (NPC) has announced the election of its new Executive Committee (EXCO) for 2024/25. Kennedy Mudzuli editor/bureau Chief: Pretoria News, has been elected chairperson of the National Press Club. News24 journalist Belinda Pheto is the new deputy chairperson and Lali van Zuydam, research and communications associate at the Institute for Methods Innovation is the new treasurer.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) is Antoinette Slabbert, who is the senior financial journalist for Rapport Newspaper.
“I thank the outgoing committee for completing the rebuilding of the National Press Club after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of our valued sponsors the North West University and Absa, a solid foundation has been laid for future growth,’’ Mudzuli said.
The office bearers are joined by the following elected executive committee members, Mashudu Sadike, senior multimedia journalist (The Star, Saturday Star), Pieter Cloete, video journalist (Maroela Media), Aserie Ndlovu, producer and presenter @ Capital Live SA 99.0FM.
“Ananias Ndlovu, Naledi News editor, Mosidi Mokgele, PR and Marketing Consultant, Essence Consulting, Dineo Horner, (CPRP) Unisa: administrator (research, marketing and communication), Albi Modise, Snr executive: marketing and communications Gautrain Management Agency, William Baloyi, chief director: media engagement, GCIS,” he said.
Mudzuli further said the team will be supported by newly-appointed secretariat Ncobile Mahlangu. He added that they are excited by the skills and energy of this committee and believe they can deliver even more value to their members in the coming year.
“It is our mission to provide a platform where journalists and communication professionals can interact and build the networks that are core to our industry. The National Press Club is the biggest organisation of its kind in South Africa, representing working journalists and communication professionals. It recently celebrated its 46th year of existence,” said Mudzuli.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko congratulated Nwabisa Makunga on her election as Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF). Diko said she believes that Makunga is the perfect fit to lead SANEF following her role as Deputy Chairperson and her vast experience in the newsroom leadership.
“We look forward to working with SANEF on strengthening the relationship between the state and media. SANEF plays a critical role in ensuring media transformation in form and content, fighting against misinformation and disinformation, as well as fostering collective understanding of the media ethics and issues affecting the media sector broadly.
“SANEF describes itself as the watchdog for freedom of expression and press freedom, whereby it advances for quality in journalism and campaigns for ethics and diversity in South Africa’s media,” she said.
The Guardian 