Commissioning Editor: Current Affairs & Business

(Ideally based in Cape Town, but can be in Gauteng)

Tafelberg, the team behind nonfiction bestsellers like The Shadow State, Capitec, Betting on a Darkie, The President’s Keepers and many others, is looking for a dynamic nonfiction Commissioning Editor. This exciting position requires someone with a keen interest in South African politics, business, popular culture and a natural instinct for the topics readers want to read about.

The ideal professional:

• can conceptualise ideas for commercially-viable new books
• can commission successful books by matching the right author with the right subject
• can develop manuscripts by structuring content logically and accessibly
• has strong organisational abilities and can manage a demanding programme to deadline and to budget
• has excellent networking skills
• works well under pressure and can brief and manage teams of freelancers
• is creative, enthusiastic and a self-starter
• is well informed and in touch with opinion formers, journalists and media.

Minimum requirements include:

• a relevant tertiary qualification
• experience in book publishing, journalism, media or another relevant field
• a love of reading and an excellent command of English.

The position offers:

• a stimulating, varied work environment as part of a vibrant and diverse team of book people
• a competitive salary with company benefits

Your application will only be considered if accompanied by a separate PDF covering letter explaining why you are suited to the position and a list of ideas for five new commercially-viable current affairs/ business books, and the names of three potential referees.

Those who meet the requirements of the post and are interested in applying for this position may apply on the Media24 career portal by clicking on the following link:

 CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 25 JUNE 2026

Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Applicants who have not received a reply within two weeks of the closing date may assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

We reserve the right not to fill this position at this time should a suitable candidate not be found.

Given our employment equity guidelines, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.