Sekunjalo Group Announces Launch of “The National” Newspaper
What’s Happening?
Sekunjalo Group has confirmed that it will start a new national newspaper called The National. The paper will be backed by partners from the United States and Europe. The news came from Lucien Jacobs, the CEO of Sekunjalo, who first mentioned the idea on June 15, 2026.
A Vision for Sustainable Journalism
Quality, Ethics, and Money‑Making
Jacobs says the goal is to build a leading national platform that offers:
- High‑quality journalism
- Editorial excellence
- Commercial sustainability
The project will follow solid business rules while staying committed to independent reporting. Sekunjalo hopes The National will become a financially viable home for news that serves the public.
Job Opportunities and Industry Impact
Who Can Apply?
Applications for various roles—journalists, editors, content creators, editors, and technical media staff—are now open. Interested candidates can visit the dedicated site https://thenational.co.za to submit their CVs.
The launch is expected to create many new jobs across South Africa, giving a boost to the media workforce and encouraging fresh talent to join the field.
Changes to Existing Media Deals
End of the Independent Media Licence Agreement
Jacobs also announced that the long‑standing licence letting Independent Media run Sekunjalo‑owned titles has been finalized. Going forward, Sekunjalo will decide whether to:
- License those titles to other companies, or
- Fold them into the new publishing projects under The National.
While many stakeholders welcome the move as a step toward media freedom, Jacobs expressed disappointment that some rivals reacted negatively.
Response from Competitors
Orchestrated Campaigns and Fair Play
The CEO criticised certain media houses for paying too much attention to Sekunjalo’s internal affairs. He argued that:
- All businesses should have equal chances to innovate and compete.
- Targeted, orchestrated campaigns can create unfair public perceptions.
Jacobs stressed that a healthy democracy thrives on diverse voices, and investment in journalism should be encouraged, not discouraged.
Looking Ahead
Future Focus
Sekunjalo’s plan moving forward includes:
- Building sustainable media companies
- Supporting quality journalism
- Creating jobs nationwide
- Making a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s media ecosystem
Jacobs concluded by saying the group will pursue these aims with determination, transparency, and a lasting commitment to commercial success.
Conclusion
The launch of The National marks a bold step by Sekunjalo Group to reshape South Africa’s media landscape. By combining strong journalistic standards with smart business strategies, the initiative aims to deliver reliable news, generate employment, and foster a more vibrant, competitive media environment for everyone.
