Celebrating new leadership: Independent Media's latest editorial appointments

Independent Media has proudly announced a series of editorial appointments across its portfolio of respected news brands, reinforcing the group’s commitment to journalistic excellence, community-driven storytelling, and the development of editorial leadership from within its own ranks.

The appointments reflect the depth of talent across the organisation and underscore Independent Media’s continued investment in experienced journalists who understand the evolving media landscape while remaining deeply connected to the audiences and communities our publications serve.

Liesl van der Schyff takes the helm of the Cape Argus, widely regarded as Cape Town’s favourite read and one of the city’s most recognisable and trusted news brands.

Her journey with Independent Media began in 2008 when she joined the Cape Argus as an editorial assistant, gaining invaluable newsroom experience at one of the country’s most iconic titles.

In 2010, she moved to the Cape Times, where she steadily progressed through the newsroom, ultimately serving as Assistant Editor.

Van der Schyff's career has been shaped by a strong focus on digital publishing during a period of significant transformation in news delivery, alongside a deep passion for literature and cultural storytelling.

Dudley Carstens has taken the lead of Daily Voice, one of the Western Cape’s most distinctive and influential tabloids, renowned for its fearless “Skrik vir Niks” identity and deep connection with communities across the Cape Flats.

For more than two decades, the publication has given a voice to everyday people, championing local stories that matter most to its readers. 

He first joined Independent Media in 2009 as a rugby writer for Daily Voice. Following a brief period in publishing, he returned to the company in 2015, bringing valuable industry experience and a renewed commitment to the title. In 2016, he was appointed Sports Editor, helping to strengthen the publication’s sports coverage and community-driven storytelling. 

Lisa Isaacs assumes leadership of the Cape Times at a historic moment, becoming the first woman of colour to hold the title as it celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.

Since its founding in 1876, the Cape Times has remained one of South Africa’s most respected newspapers, recognised for its authoritative journalism, insightful commentary, and strong national and international news coverage.

Isaacs began her journalism career with Independent Media in 2013 as an intern reporter at the Weekend Argus after completing her studies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She joined the Cape Times in 2014, building a strong reputation as a specialist reporter covering education, health and environmental issues, earning recognition for her reporting on transformation and decolonisation in education.

“These appointments reflect the extraordinary depth of editorial talent within Independent Media and our commitment to developing leaders from within our organisation,” said Adri Senekal De Wet, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Media.

There were also new appointments made at  African Community Media.

Yolande du Preez was appointed Editor of Cape Community Media, which has 13 community publications in its stable serving readers across the Western Cape.

Cwayita Nondula was appointed Editor of I'solezwe lesiXhosa, a publication based in East London and dedicated to delivering relevant, community-focused journalism to isiXhosa-speaking readers across the Eastern Cape.

She joined  the publication as an intern in 2019, and has progressed through multiple editorial roles and, most recently, Content Editor. Her editorial focus on amplifying marginalised and rural voices has earned her industry recognition, including being named a recipient of the 2023 International News Media Association’s 30 Under 30 Awards.