Location: Johannesburg preferred / hybrid or remote considered
Type: Nine-month contract, with potential for renewal
About explain.co.za and this project:
explain.co.za is a South African digital news platform committed to providing accessible and engaging news for those often left behind by traditional media. We bridge the gap between in-depth reporting and the need for digestible, easy-to-understand content. Through explain.co.za’s newsroom, we deliver rigorously fact-checked content, with a focus on civic engagement and demystifying complex stories.
You’ll be joining a pilot project, with a strong chance of renewal, aimed at revolutionising how news is delivered by partnering with influencers from both grassroots and established backgrounds. Our goal is to bring trustworthy journalism directly to the social platforms where audiences are already consuming content, while maintaining journalistic integrity through fact-checking, editorial safeguards, and collaboration with news influencers.
Role Overview:
As the News Editor, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the content production process in this pilot initiative, which seeks to merge influencer reach with editorial rigour. You will play a crucial role in shaping and mentoring a new generation of news influencers—individuals who may not have formal reporting backgrounds but who are reaching new audiences with current affairs commentary and analysis on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp. You will ensure that their content they create in partnership with us for our platforms aligns with our journalistic standards.
The ideal candidate will bring their expertise to not only create content but to lead the charge in mentoring what are effectively fledgling reporters, ensuring accuracy in reporting, as well as helping deliver our weekly news newsletter, drawing on our content from the week.
Key Responsibilities & Outputs:
Collaboration & Mentorship: Work closely with the editorial team to continuously train and mentor news influencers, enhancing their skills in producing professional, well-researched journalism..
Oversee Editorial Output: Manage the editorial team and external contributors to ensure high-quality content production, including weekly explainer videos and articles. This includes coordinating fact-checking, editorial review, and timely publishing across platforms, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
Content Quality Control: Provide leadership and mentorship to news influencers, guiding them on journalistic best practices, ethical reporting, and creating compelling, digestible content. Oversee fact-checking processes for all content to ensure compliance with press code standards.
Audience Growth & Engagement: Collaborate with the marketing team to increase explain.co.za’s visibility and build a loyal audience. Analyse audience engagement, adapt content, and help grow our presence across multiple platforms.
Content Management: Manage the editorial calendar for weekly explainer videos, text stories, and additional social media content, ensuring timely delivery across channels during the project.
Who You Are:
- Experienced News Editor: You have at least seven years of editorial experience, particularly in a digital environment. You know how to maintain editorial standards while adapting content to suit the needs of diverse audiences across different social platforms.
- Strong leadership: Your experience may include managing or mentoring a team of content creators or journalists.
- Social Media Savvy: You have an understanding of social media and digital storytelling. You know how to optimise content for different platforms and audiences.
- Strong Communicator: You are a clear, persuasive communicator, both in writing and in person. You thrive in an environment where collaboration with influencers, journalists, and the wider digital media landscape is key.
Requirements:
- Seven+ years of editorial experience, particularly in digital journalism or media.
- Proven experience working with content creators/reporters in a digital media environment.
- Excellent fact-checking, sub-editing and editorial skills.
- Knowledge of social media platforms and how to optimise content across these.
- Passion for news literacy, civic engagement, and empowering underrepresented voices.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Flexible working conditions (hybrid or remote work).
- Opportunity to shape the future of digital media and journalism.
- Mentorship and professional development in a growing newsroom.
- Be part of a mission-driven team with a focus on inclusivity and innovation.
How to Apply:
Fill in this form. Note: You will need to log in with your Gmail address in order to upload your CV and samples.
Deadline for applications: 31 January 2026
Verashni is passionate about empowering citizens to hold those in power to account. She was previously editor-in-chief of the Mail & Guardian and HuffPost South Africa, and won the CNN African Journalism Award, among others.
