Commissioning Editor: Current Affairs & Business – Media24 Careers South Africa

March 6, 2026 admin MEDIA 0

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape (Candidates based in Gauteng may also apply)
Job Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 17 March 2026
Division: Jonathan Ball Publishers
Company: Media24

About Media24

Media24 is one of South Africa’s leading media companies, operating across publishing, digital media, newspapers, magazines, and book publishing. As part of the global media and e-commerce group Naspers, Media24 has a strong reputation for producing high-quality journalism, bestselling books, and innovative digital content.

Within Media24, Jonathan Ball Publishers is a respected imprint responsible for producing some of South Africa’s most influential nonfiction titles. The division includes Tafelberg, a brand known for publishing impactful books on politics, current affairs, and business.

Some of the notable bestselling books published by the team include:

  • The Shadow State
  • Rooted and Rising
  • Capitec
  • Betting on a Darkie
  • The President’s Keepers

The organization is now looking for a talented Commissioning Editor: Current Affairs & Business to join its publishing team.

Position Overview

The Commissioning Editor will play a crucial role in identifying, developing, and publishing commercially successful nonfiction books focused on South African politics, culture, and business.

This role is ideal for a professional who is deeply interested in public discourse, has a strong editorial eye, and understands what readers want from modern nonfiction publishing.

The successful candidate will work closely with authors, journalists, and subject matter experts to develop compelling manuscripts and guide projects from concept to publication.

Key Responsibilities

As a Commissioning Editor, your responsibilities will include:

  • Conceptualising new commercially viable nonfiction book ideas
  • Identifying and commissioning authors for impactful books
  • Matching the right author with the right topic
  • Structuring and developing manuscripts to ensure clarity and accessibility
  • Managing the editorial process from concept to final publication
  • Maintaining strong relationships with journalists, opinion leaders, and authors
  • Managing publishing schedules, budgets, and editorial deadlines
  • Briefing and coordinating teams of freelance editors, writers, and researchers
  • Monitoring trends in politics, business, and culture to identify publishing opportunities

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this role, applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in publishing, journalism, media studies, communications, or a related field
  • Professional experience in media, book publishing, or a related industry
  • Excellent writing and editorial skills
  • A strong command of the English language
  • A genuine passion for reading and nonfiction storytelling

Core Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

  • Strong conceptual and creative thinking
  • Excellent project management and organisational skills
  • The ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
  • Strong networking and relationship-building skills
  • The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • A deep understanding of South African current affairs and media

Why Join Media24?

Working at Media24 provides professionals with the opportunity to contribute to one of the country’s most respected media organizations.

Benefits include:

  • A dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact nonfiction publications
  • Collaboration with leading authors and journalists
  • A competitive salary package with company benefits
  • The chance to shape the future of South African nonfiction publishing

POPIA Compliance

By applying for this position, applicants consent to the processing of their personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Your data will only be used for recruitment purposes.

How to Apply

Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application through the official Media24 careers portal.

Important: Your application must include:

  • A separate cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role
  • Ideas for five new commercially viable current affairs or business books
  • The names of three referees

Apply here:
Apply for the Commissioning Editor Job at Media24

OR APPLY HERE

Closing Date: 17 March 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within two weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups in line with the company’s employment equity policy.

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