National Media Group (NMG) has ignored negative press coverage and media attention, stating that it will not allow this to distract it from its mission to create a modern, commercially viable, and sustainable media organization in South Africa.
This statement followed publications in competing outlets, including the Daily Maverick. NMG asserts that these publications attempted to undermine the company's launch through 'speculation, ambiguity, and disinformation,' rather than relying on balanced, fact-based journalism.
In a statement released on Thursday, NMG emphasized that it does not intend to get entangled in industry competition or predetermined negative narratives. Instead, the organization is focusing its efforts on expanding media diversity, creating jobs, and providing high-quality news to South Africans.
Composure Amidst Competitors
NMG firmly defended its legitimate commercial decisions and hiring processes, noting that it is not obligated to justify itself to competing media companies. The group stated: 'We are not obliged to justify our legitimate commercial decisions, hiring processes, or business strategy to competing media companies. Our responsibility lies with our readers, advertisers, and employees.'
The organization added that NMG is fully funded, strategically positioned for growth, and supported by investors who believe in the future of quality journalism in South Africa. Its focus is on building a sustainable, commercially oriented media company that serves the public interest, expands media diversity, and creates significant sector employment. The company will not allow itself to be distracted by campaigns aimed at diminishing this vision.
Furthermore, the group called on the Daily Maverick to concentrate on its own editorial resources and newsroom standards instead of trying to weaken new competitors through conjecture.
Investing in Journalism Amid Industry Contraction
While many traditional media companies across South Africa are cutting editorial investments, laying off staff, and reducing newsroom capacity, NMG has demonstrated the opposite approach by actively investing in the local media landscape.
During a two-month recruitment drive, hundreds of applications were received for publicly advertised positions in editorial, management, and specialized fields. The group confirmed that appointments were made through a merit-based competitive process, bringing together experienced journalists, editors, and digital specialists from across the country. Additional appointments are expected to be announced in the coming months as current professional contractual obligations conclude.
NMG presented this aggressive hiring campaign as a strong sign of confidence in the future of South African journalism.
Experienced Leadership Defines Strategic Vision
NMG stressed that its vision is based on an experienced executive leadership team focused on editorial excellence, diversity, and long-term commercial transformation:
- Mzi Malunga serves as Chairman, providing strategic oversight and governance.
- Melanie Peters, an experienced media executive with decades of experience in newsrooms and management, leads the company as Chief Executive Officer.
- Wesley Chetty, Head of Strategy, is responsible for long-term commercial growth and innovation.
- Siphelele Dludla holds the position of Editor of The National, leading a dynamic senior newsroom team.
Affirming its commitment to editorial integrity, NMG stated that its journalists will conduct accurate, balanced, and fearless investigations without fear or favoritism, measuring their ultimate success by audience trust and the quality of their journalism.
