According to Content Nation Media, Khoza has been instrumental in executing a turnaround strategy aimed at producing a sustainable business, which has set the company firmly on course.

The company says that, while the publishing industry in South Africa continues to experience declines in circulation and advertising sales — which has caused several local entities to either close or reduce their frequency drastically — Content Nation Media's brands remain steady and resilient, with events and digital revenue being key drivers.

Under Khoza's tutelage, the business has undergone several ground-breaking developments, such as the repositioning of the Glamour and House & Garden magazines, whose content, looks and feel have transitioned to be accessible and appealing to South Africa's black middle and upper class.

In 2019, monetised magazine cover collaborations became tactical tools to entrench the business's hyper-local approach, as well as strengthening its relationships with major brands such as Cîroc x Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, H&M and Zando Man for GQ, as well as Woolworths and Cointreau for Glamour. GQ Style also collaborated with Reebok and rapper AKA for its SneAKA launch.

House & Garden became the first décor magazine in South Africa to break the décor publication convention. This was done by featuring local personalities such as TV presenter Maps Maponyane, chef and TV host Lorna Maseko and the Weylandts family on its covers.

Recently, the H&G Design Directory, the annual industry guide published by House & Garden, was relaunched in a portable version. The cover featured native patterns in collaboration with Laduma Ngxokolo, the local and world-renowned fashion designer of the Amaxhosa brand, who also has his own décor range.

"Mbuso's creative flair — complemented by her strong leadership and astute business skills — has taken the company and publications to a whole new level. I wish her and her team every success with the next part of this exciting journey," says Survé. 

Khoza says, "I am really honoured to be at the helm of an entity that publishes such prestigious brands as ours. The journey has been challenging, but equally fulfilling." 

"There has not been a better time for leadership in the media industry to be put to the test than now. As contradictory as it may sound, the industry is all about survival of the fittest — the fittest being the leanest. I am blessed to be working with a lean but mean and astute team of professionals, who will do anything to protect our brands," adds Khoza.

Khoza, who has a strong FMCG marketing, strategy execution and project management background, was previously the group executive of Independent Media's Lifestyle division. Her responsibilities included the redesign of the various Lifestyle platforms within the group, which led to the relaunch of the Entertainment, Lifestyle and Travel verticals on www.iol.co.za.

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