‘Exceptional’ Executive Director resigns; new leader sought to take reins at the Press Council

PICTURE: Latiefa Mobara and Dr Taryn de Vega of Rhodes University at the African Media Councils conference in Cape Town in May 2024

The Press Council of South Africa (PCSA) Executive Director Latiefa Mobara has resigned
after 12 years of exceptional service.

Chairperson Judge Fritz Brand paid tribute to Ms Mobara, saying, ‘We are terribly sad that
Latiefa is to leave us. She goes with our best wishes. She has been an extraordinarily good
Executive Director, and Public Advocate before that – and she leaves very big shoes to fill’.

‘Latiefa has steered the PCSA through very difficult times for the industry as challenges of
digital and social media eviscerated traditional print publications and brought ongoing
challenges to the very existence of a FAIR and vibrant media in South Africa.

‘She has made a massive contribution, not only to the Press Council but to the industry as a whole.  Latiefa literally put body and soul into her work – and we thank her for the massive sacrifices she has made along the way.’

Ms Mobara said: ‘I am extremely sad to leave the Press Council and my colleagues, but I view the next year as a period of personal growth and renewal.  The Press Council’s core activities are functioning well and we have a strong team.’

‘I leave the Press Council in a healthy financial situation and our media owner members, through the Funding Forum, have committed to continue funding the Press Council.

‘So, I leave the Press Council at the end of February or March proud of what we have
achieved and wish it the greatest success in the future.’

Ms Mobara is a former opinion pages editor, the former Executive Director of the South
African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and a former organiser of media conferences including Highway Africa and the All Africa Editors.

She is a former journalist herself, having worked at The Star, Die Burger, City Press, Vrye Weekblad and other publications.

• The position of Executive Director, based in Johannesburg, is now open for applications, with details here: Press Council Vacancy