Associated Magazines has confirmed today that Sbu Mpungose has been appointed editor of Cosmopolitan, South Africa’s biggest women’s glossy brand. Mpungose will take over from Vanessa Raphaely, who will continue in her role as editorial director of Associated Magazines.
“We looked for a very long time for the right person to replace me as editor on Cosmo, our flagship brand,” says Raphaely. “To my mind the brilliant job that Sbu has done with True Love made her by far the most exciting and qualified candidate. She is the new-generation Cosmo woman: young, smart, accomplished. We are delighted to welcome her to the Associated Magazines team.”
Award-winning Mpungose honed her editorial skills on various titles, including Move, Bona, Drum, Edgars Club and True Love. Currently based in Johannesburg, she will take up one of the most sought-after editorial seats in the magazine industry on November 1.
“I read Cosmo as a teenager and well into my 20s,” says Mpungose. “It’s a magazine that liberated me as a woman and empowered me to live a fun, fearless life. To join the magazine as editor is a career highlight and a great personal achievement. I’m excited to be a part of this dynamic brand.”
“Cosmo has had only two editors in its 26 years in South Africa,” says Julia Raphaely, managing director of Associated Magazines. “We are very excited to welcome Sbu to a magazine that has established itself as a trendsetting brand, with over a million readers accessing its content in print, online and through social media. We are confident that not only will Sbu bring great value to the brand; she will also continue to build on the huge success of Cosmo, not only in print but also across its many different platforms.”
Photo: Oupa Nkosi, Mail & Guardian
