Makunga appointed Herald, Weekend Post editor
She stepped into Newspaper House in Baakens Street, Port Elizabeth, 14 years ago as an intern wanting to job shadow a journalist and now takes over as the newly appointed editor of both The Herald and its sister publication, Weekend Post.
Nwabisa Makunga’s appointment was announced on Monday by Tiso Blackstar Port Elizabeth general manager Nadeem Joshua. “The appointment of Nwabisa is a testament of our continuous commitment to our readers and all stakeholders towards quality journalism that is built on trust and credibility,” Joshua said.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish her the very best on this new journey.”
Makunga, 36, the deputy editor of The Herald and Weekend Post for the past two years, is a renowned columnist and sought-after panellist and moderator facilitating important discussions around developing Nelson Mandela Bay, the Eastern Cape and the country as a whole.
In her weekly column – And Another Thing, published every Wednesday in The Herald – she tackles current affairs and topical political discussions, highly regarded as conversation starters in the Bay.
“I am incredibly honoured to accept this responsibility to lead a team of dynamic, passionate journalists to tell the story of the Eastern Cape,” Makunga said.
“I thank the management of Tiso Blackstar for trusting me with this project, our team for their commitment and you, our reader, for your support.
“I trust that you will continue to walk this journey with us as we begin a new and exciting chapter for these well-established publications.”
Born in Uitenhage, she studied journalism at the then Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and holds a postgraduate qualification in Media Management from Wits University.
Makunga first joined The Herald as an intern in 2004 and was later appointed to the company’s Garden Route Bureau in Knysna.
Following a stint at the bureau, she relocated to Johannesburg as part of the then Pearson/Johncom postgraduate journalism programme.
She quickly worked her way through the ranks as news editor of The Herald and later news editor at Business Day in Johannesburg.
In 2011, Makunga was appointed politics and business editor, a position she held for about six years before she was promoted to deputy editor.
Outgoing editor Brett Horner said he was thrilled with Makunga’s appointment.
“Nwabisa is ready for this challenge and I have no doubt she will be a roaring success.
“Thank you to my editorial team for all their support and to our readers for believing in quality journalism and keeping me on my toes.”
‘Nwabisa is ready . . . and I have no doubt she will be a roaring success’ Brett Horner
OUTGOING EDITOR