Lucien Jacobs, CEO of Sekunjalo, shared an exclusive interview about the progress of implementing the concept of The National—creating a sustainable and commercially oriented media business.
Lucien Jacobs, CEO of Sekunjalo, shared an exclusive interview about the progress of implementing the concept of The National—creating a sustainable and commercially oriented media business.
Jacobs reported that the recruitment campaign generated huge interest, receiving a large number of applications from highly qualified specialists in journalism and media. A specially created talent acquisition team has already contacted candidates who passed the initial screening, and interviews will begin next week.
He emphasized that there are many talented journalists in South Africa, but employment opportunities in the industry remain limited. Jacobs noted the company's pride in creating jobs and contributing to the future of journalistic and media freedom.
According to Jacobs, The National plans to complete the hiring process and integrate new editorial and operational teams within the next two weeks. He added that the product strategy is ready for implementation, and now suitable people are needed to bring it to life. Furthermore, the company has attracted interest from experienced media professionals, former editors, and investors who share the goal of building a sustainable media business.
Acknowledging the difficulties facing the print industry, Jacobs is convinced that print will maintain an important place in the market provided it is supported by an innovative commercial strategy. He stated that reliance on traditional business models is not possible, and new commercial approaches must be implemented to ensure long-term viability. European and American investors have clearly stipulated that The National must be commercially oriented while providing high-quality journalism.
Jacobs also revealed that the company is exploring opportunities in the Afrikaans digital media sector as part of its expansion strategy. He sees significant potential in the Afrikaans market and believes there is room to strengthen its position in this area. Opportunities in local South African languages are also being assessed.
In conclusion, Jacobs affirmed the organization's commitment to independent and reliable journalism supported by sustainable commercial models. He stated that South Africa needs dependable, high-quality news outlets that are financially self-sufficient. The goal is to create media platforms that serve a diverse audience, strengthen media freedom, and provide long-term value to readers, employees, and investors.
The National, launched with the support of Sekunjalo Group, represents a significant step in supporting journalism in South Africa, challenging the trend of publication closures. This project is part of Sekunjalo Group's systematic initiative to rectify the state of the media industry, which has been weakened by years of neglect.
The National plans to restore a full range of publishing resources, including national, business, regional, and vernacular newspapers. Furthermore, the publication will include content in isiZulu, isiXhosa, and other local languages to give voice to marginalized communities. Jacobs noted that the goal is to provide a platform for voices that have been marginalized for generations during apartheid.
