To celebrate the channel's 5th anniversary, Newzroom Afrika has also roped in veteran anchor Iman Rapetti.
After experiencing an exodus of on-air talent over the past few months, Newzroom Afrika has announced its recognized line-up of anchors ahead of its fifth anniversary in May.
“We are… embarking on a revamp of our lineup to inject new talent and energy. At the same time, we leverage our solid experience in our ranks to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and completeness in our reporting. ” said the channel's CEO. Tabile Gwato on Thursday morning.
Newzroom Afrika was launched in May 2019 after MultiChoice terminated its agreement with the now defunct Afro Worldview, formerly known as African News Network 7 or ANN7, in 2018. Afro Worldview was founded and owned by the controversial Gupta family.
Also read: “No, I’m not crossing the floor” – Ati Mtongana’s mother’s next move after leaving Newzroom Afrika
Exodus
When the station launched, there was a lot of air of fandom because its owners were entirely black. Gwato, a former news anchor himself, is one half of the company he owns with TV production entrepreneur Thokozani Nkosi.
But in recent months, there have been allegations of editorial interference by some of the company's biggest names, which is said to have led several anchors to distance themselves from the news channel.
Tonight will be our last broadcast on Newzroom Afrika.
I have decided to leave the organization, but I will continue to pray for their safety.
I wouldn't be who I am today without the support of all my viewers. You have given me more than I could have hoped for.
Thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bRoWYKbJih
— Cathy Mohlahlana (@CathyMohlahlana) November 30, 2023
Last November, news anchor Kathy Mohlalana abruptly announced her departure from the channel after returning from maternity leave. There's nothing strange here, except that her statement was just a thank you to her viewers, and she never mentioned her former employer.
“I would not be who I am today without the support of all my viewers. You have given me more than I could have ever asked for. Thank you,” read a short statement from Mawla Hulana.
Her resignation followed that of parliamentary reporter Ati Mutongana. “I am so humbled by all the touching messages. I know the number one question is 'Where are we going?'” Mtongana wrote in early October.
It's rude to leave without saying goodbye. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/9GyJdtAKLn
— Athi Mtongana (@AthiMtongana) October 3, 2023
“All I can say right now is watch this space! I still want to serve you, but this time (with a great team) will be different,” she said .
The newest talent to bid farewell to Newzroom Afrika is Thembekile Mrototo. His attitude was colder than that of his former colleague.
“I'm leaving… Today is my last day on Newzroom405. My last show will be tonight at 6pm as I have left the channel,” he wrote on his social media account.
Also missing from his statement was a word of gratitude to his former employer.
“Thank you to all my colleagues who have contributed to so many great broadcasts since 2021. Thank you for tuning in and for your always generous feedback,” Mrototo wrote.
influencer territory
In a statement Thursday morning, the station invited influential people to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
Time passes really quickly, but it's so much fun to see how much you've grown. I love new initiatives and approaches to tackling them✨.
— 🙋🏾♀️ (@jojomatches) February 8, 2024
I can't believe it's almost 5 years. Hey, you've come a long way, hey, and Aldrin? 👏🏽
— Kim Hee-man (@Dowsky26) February 8, 2024
Newzroom's new additions include former SABC news anchors Aldrin Sampier and Naledi Moreo, who are both currently anchoring AM Report.
Shori Mangavi will move to prime time and host the evening slot. Veteran anchor Iman Rapetti will host the midday report, which follows Sampier and Moreo's AM reports.
“This is particularly important as we head into a major election season in South Africa, and will be the focus of the channel, which will document the country's democracy in action around the clock,” Gwat said.
“Our journey so far has not been easy, but 2024 promises to be an exciting new challenge for Newzroom Afrika as we celebrate our fifth anniversary,” the CEO concluded.
Read now: News anchor Kathy Mohlalana announces retirement from Newzroom Afrika
