Journalist Mfundo Piliso has been appointed news editor of the Go! & Express.
Mfundo, 35, has been reporting for 14 years, filing for leading SA titles such as the Sunday Times and City Press.
He worked for the Daily Dispatch for four-and-a-half years as a sports and news reporter, gathering a wealth of experience in covering the East London area.
He holds a national diploma in journalism and a national certificate in versatile broadcasting, both from Walter Sisulu University.
He said: “I love the Go! It has a warm, personal feel about it, and I want to keep that accessibility wide open. Our readers have been loyal to the brand since we started 30 years ago.
“It is an honour and privilege to be back in the Arena Holdings stable after having worked in the government communications sector.
“Leading East London’s No 1 community newspaper feels hugely important and, when the serious matters have been reported, should also be a lot of fun.
“The Go! has been the heartbeat of our community, telling the stories that matter most to the people who call this area home.
“I aim to continue that proud tradition and improve on what my predecessors have achieved. I’m really humbled by this appointment.”
Mfundo’s career in journalism and communications has been deeply rooted in a love for storytelling and a commitment to public service.
He set out on the writer’s path as a student reporter for two years for the WSU News Agency, filing for the Daily Sun, Die Burger, and others.
He was headhunted by the Natal Witness, working as a junior reporter for several months before joining one of SA’s leading media monitoring companies, Newsclip Media Monitoring.
He spent three years at Newsclip, analysing trends and studying how media shaped public opinion.
Most recently, he served as a communica-tions officer at the Eastern Cape department of health for two years.
He said his wide-ranging experience working in the media sharpened his understanding of news “and the importance of accuracy and balance and integrity, much of it learnt at the Dispatch”.
“As news editor, I am determined to see the Go! continue being a trusted, independent voice for our readers.
“I look forward to working closely with our talented team of writers, photographers, and contributors — and most importantly, with you, our reader.
“It is your stories, your feedback, and your trust that guide us.”
