Editor: News Planning & Projects at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Main purpose of the position:

• To carry out short-, mid- and long-term planning, developing, national coverage and projects for all SABC News platforms as well as the managing thereof.

Key Accountabilities:

• Conceptualise and implement News planning and Project Plan for SABC News and Current Affairs
• Develop and operationalise News planning principles for SABC News in line with the public mandate and the Division’s vision.
• Responsible for the short-, medium- and long-term planning for the treatment, development, and management of the coverage of national events or events or issues that require coordinated coverage
• Provide support and input in the development and implementation of SABC News and Current Affairs strategy.
• Develop and Implement SABC News operational plan for the unit and guide teams to achieve business unit objectives.
• Plan and manage live elements and broadcast plans for key stories and big events in conjunction with all Editors.
• Initiate and facilitate brain storming sessions to ensure creative execution ideas for coverage and setting up material for forthcoming events and themed coverage as required
• Prepare, interrogate and supervise diary entries and suggest story sources and  guests where applicable
• Initiate ideas for coverage and setting up material for forward planning
• Oversee and authorise deployments for Outside Broadcasts
• Ensure that obits and profiles are prepared according to the required editorial quality standards, on time and for all relevant languages and platforms.
• Compile, Manage and oversee the utilization of the Unit budget cost effectively
• Introduce and implement corrective measures to ensure financial discipline and accountability.
• Consult with Divisional Finance to determine budget requirements.
• Manage and authorize payments for all the logistical services, travel arrangements, outside broadcasts, over time, independent contractors (freelancers) and additional work contracts etc
• Compliance with broadcasting act and all related regulatory frameworks and legislative requirements.
• Compliance to all related policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Develop and maintain constructive and effective relationships with all stakeholders.
• Communication with other specialist desks, News/Current Affairs editors and all relevant SABC platforms
• Identify, mitigate, and manage News and current affairs editorial risks
• Communicate with stakeholders to ensure optimal delivery on all News and Current Affairs platforms.
• Build a network of national and international sources, including links with a wide range of professional research institutions, specialist researchers and news research units.
• Contract and manage the SABC’s Performance Management System with the team in accordance with the organizational policies and procedures.
• Allocate responsibilities and scheduling of teams.
• Manage available staff and ensure fair and balanced distribution of work.
• Coach, mentor and develop team members
• Provide input into adequate staffing, succession planning and effective leadership.
• Provide input on attracting, retaining and rewarding staff.
• Manage employee relations to ensure conducive and productive working environment.
• Communicate effectively  with teams

Requirements:

• Diploma/Degree ( NQF 6/7) in journalism, Communication, Media Studies, or relevant discipline
• 10 years’ experience in news and current affairs of which 4 should be at management level.
• Proven work experience as a journalist
• Portfolio of executed news broadcasting projects
• Thorough understanding of project management principles and practice
• Well-developed decision-making skills
• Strong problem-solving capability
• Sound negotiating skills
• Knowledge of business management principles and sound governance within a news environment
• Outstanding writing skills and ability to plan long-term projects
• Full understanding of the broadcast and digital environment
• Understanding of the complexities of public broadcasting
• Computer literacy is essential (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Excellent communication (verbal and written)
• Good, credible, and reliable professional network
• An active and trusted social media presence
• Knowledge of PFMA and other relevant legislative prescripts

Deadline:22nd March,2026