• April 1, 2014 – 15:00 (update): Following the news of Mpumalanga News editor Bongani Hlatshwayo resigning and announcing his move to the EFF, this publication would like to inform you that the below article is in fact untrue and a joke in the spirit of April Fool’s Day! Hlatshwayo does not plan on stepping down as editor any time soon, and neither does he plan on “taking down” any political parties. Did we manage to fool you? Happy April Fool’s Day!
• April 1, 2014 – 06:00: MBOMBELA – The Lowveld Media stable was dropped a bomb yesterday when long-serving editor of Mpumalanga News, Bongani Hlatshwayo dramatically tendered his resignation with immediate effect, opting for a political position as Julius Malemá EFF premier candidate for Mpumalanga.
As political analysts have always lamented that this year’s national general elections will be tough as there are new political parties such as Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Agang and other ordinary people are starting to show interest in politics.
The ruling party (ANC ) have to work tirelessly if they want to win with the two-thirds majority.Hlatshwayo confirmed his departure as he said: “I’ve served in the media industry for more than 32 years now, it’s time to move on. I’ve seen a home and a future career for me in the EFF and that’s where I’m destined.
Yesterday was my last day in the media industry, from today onwards, I’m a politician fighting for the rights of the people.”I’ve opted to join the EFF because it offers room for expansion.
I’ve been a politician all my life, but now, as I’ve seen how things have been done all these years, I think I have what it takes to lead this province with my experience. I’m a fighter like my new leader, Julius Malema, we will fight together and defeat the ANC at its own game,” he said.
He was appointed as an Editor of Mpumalanga News and Mirror in 2005 until he was nominated as the first candidate of the EFF for the premier’s position. Hlatshwayo has made a big impact in the media industry, especially taking both publications to another level when it comes to keeping people of this province well informed.
His departure from the media industry has left a huge gap since he was a people’s person.One of the journalists of this publication, Mr Katlego Kalamane had this to say: “He was a father to us. I have learnt a lot from him when it comes to reporting because when I joined this publication in 2011, I was fresh from school and not used to the newsroom environment. I wish him all the best as it’s important to grow as a person. We will miss him.”
Speaking to this reporter, Hlathswayo says that he believes he has played his part in the media industry and it’s about time that he must chase other dreams.
“Well, I think I have what it takes to lead this province as I can interact with different people. I always wanted to be a politician, but I don’t want to serve in sub-regions, so being the first candidate for the premier’s position is a privilege and EFF and people of this province are not going to regret because I’m going to deliver come May 7, we are ready,“ he concluded.
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