Station manager of 702, Pheladi Gwangwa, has resigned as head of the talk radio station after 10 years in the position. She will be replaced by Thabisile Mbete, currently Primedia Broadcasting’s group content editor and former executive producer of the John Robbie show.
Gwangwa, who is a lawyer by training, joined Primedia Broadcasting in 2003 as regulatory affairs manager before becoming 702’s station manager in March 2005 and is credited with having overseen an impressive turnaround of the station. Listenership grew from just over 200 000 to 979 000 in the latest audience figures (RAMS March 2016).
“I leave 702 with mixed emotions. While I am sad to leave this dynamic business which has become synonymous with the great South African narrative, I am confident that I am leaving the radio station in great shape,” she said in a statement.
Gwangwa was named Woman in the Media for the year 2008 by The Media magazine. The station has also won numerous awards including two ‘Station of the Year’ wins at the MTN Radio Awards and a continent-wide search for the BBC’s Best African Radio Station of the Year in 2007.
“Pheladi’s astute legal mind, combined with her commitment to her team and compassion for her audience have made her an asset to the station and our business,” said Primedia Broadcasting CEO, Terry Volkwyn.
Volkwyn said Mbete had the experience and the instincts for the talk radio format as she was ” immersed in the current affairs landscape”.
“At such a tumultuous point in our country’s history, 702 has an ever more important role to play in unpacking the issues for audiences. We believe that Thabisile has the skills and strength to lead 702 as a platform for spirited conversations,” said Volkwyn.
Mbete is ready for the challenge ahead. “This is an important time for an influential station such as 702 as the country struggles with complex socio-political issues. I feel privileged to be part of the team which provides such a platform to discuss and debate these issues,” she said.
