Prominent journalist and media freedom advocate, Phathiswa Magopeni, has been appointed Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa.

Magopeni takes over from Latiefa Mobara who resigned after more than ten years at the helm.

She was already serving as member of the Press Council before her recent appointment.

She sits on the SABC Board and has held several executive roles including Editor in Chief of SABC News and COO at the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism.

Magopeni says she’s deeply honoured.

“I look forward to working with the council, media, stakeholders in the public to strengthen ethical reporting and ensure that media freedom remains a pillar of our vibrant democracy. I extend my gratitude to the Council for its confidence in me and to all those who continue to champion responsible journalism and advance principles that make a free and fair media possible.”