Business World gets the nod with citation

When Fundudzi Media bought Sunday World just over three years ago from Arena Holdings, little was expected from this paper.

The new owners were clear to the editorial leadership: reposition this paper into a publication that can contribute positively to the national discourse.

Fundudzi Media CEO David Mabilu said at the time: “We are excited about this great opportunity to play a role in shaping the future of the media landscape in South Africa, and to contribute towards the diversity of ownership, voices and perspectives which are important to our constitutional democracy. We plan to maintain the highest standards of quality and ethical journalism.”

The newsroom heeded this call and immediately embarked on the mammoth repositioning campaign. We introduced politics, business, education, personal finance and more focus on human interest stories. This was a bold move for a paper that was known for years for just its celebrity content.

It is thus pleasing that the Vodacom Journalist of the Year 2022 Awards have acknowledged the massive effort that has gone into making this publication a premium publication and a home for all.

Former associate editor, Kabelo Khumalo was this week acknowledged by the judges for his “commendable work in the category of Financial and Economics” reporting. This was unfathomable just three years ago. It is a reminder of a task that does not end, to build this paper and its digital platforms into something future journalists will be keen to work for.

We thank you the reader for having trusted us in our repositioning journey when the opposite was an easy option.