Len Maseko, who took on the role of acting editor of Sowetan earlier this year, has stepped down and taken full responsibility for the offending column, authored by Eric Miyeni. Although Maseko was on leave at the time, he accepts the consequences of this lapse in the paper’s judgment, which allowed the column to appear in one of the country’s finest publications.

Mpumelelo Mkhabela, previously the editor of Daily Dispatch, will now take on the role of editor at Sowetan. Mkhabela is highly regarded within media and political circles and, under his leadership, he will continue the journalistic excellence of the Sowetan.

Mkhabela, who cut his teeth as a reporter at City Press, holds a journalism Honours degree from Stellenbosch University and also holds honours degrees in Political Science and International Politics from the University of Limpopo and UNISA respectively.

“Mpumelelo Mkhabela is one of the country’s most respected journalists and political commentators and we are incredibly pleased that he will be at the helm of Sowetan,” comments Mondli Makhanya, Avusa Media editor in chief. “Mkhabela believes in strong debate and editorial integrity, while also embracing the synergy between print and digital media.”

Brendan Boyle, a well-respected veteran journalist, will be taking up the role of editor at Daily Dispatch, in light of Mkhabela’s departure. Boyle is currently the Parliamentary Bureau Chief of Avusa Media, runs the politics section of Times LIVE and has a weekly column in the Avusa daily, The Times.

“Brendan has seen it all,” comments Makhanya. “He knows nearly everything there is to know about the functioning of South African society and is undoubtedly an authority on political and economic issues.”

The above changes are all effective immediately.