MediaSlut

It came as a shock to many when they heard today (Wednesday 12 September) that Sbu Mpungose, current editor of Cosmopolitan South Africa, has resigned with immediate effect. You can read more about it all, right here. 

Cosmopolitan South Africa

• Issue: October 2012
• On the cover: Miranda Kerr
• Price: R31.95
• http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za/
• Twitter: @CosmopolitanSA
• Editor on Twitter: @COSMOSbu

In August 2011, the news was received with much excitement that Sbu Mpungose, well known editor on brands like Move, Bona, Drum, Edgars Club and even True Love, will be taking over the high heels from Vanessa Raphaely as editor of Cosmopolitan South Africa.

She was young, well-known, funky, fresh, and exactly what the Cosmo brand stood for, and was looking for.

In the Quarter 2 results of the ABC, I wrote the following about Cosmopolitan;

Cosmopolitan increased from 85 724 up to 90 444 (5,5%). Could it be that their strong Social Media-push is paying off? Or is it that Sbu Mpungose has made her mark as editor, and made some new Cosmo fans? Could very well be…

I’m still sticking to my guns that the increase in copy sales has a lot to do with the presence Sbu had, and the impact she made.

So now the question is, “Why is leaving, with immediate effect?”.

The press release on Associated Magazines website (publishers of Cosmo SA) states “Sbu Mpungose has been editor of Cosmopolitan for the past year and will leave the magazine to pursue personal interests.”

Of course people, fans, and readers, will find this very strange, and think that something isn’t right. I have it on good authority that the news did come very quickly to the whole team, but that there’s no hidden agenda…

I was able to find out that the October issue (going on shelf next week) is not her official last issue, as the team is already working hard on the November issue, so that will technically be Sbu’s last issue with her name in it…

As previously mentioned, this is with immediate effect, but the team will be managing the content going forward, under the direction of previous editor, and current editorial director of Associated Magazines, Vanessa Raphaely.

So this of course means that there’s a very sought-after position open in the magazine industry, and I already know of a few ladies getting ready to send in their applications, and fight for the job. The position isn’t advertised yet, but if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the new Ms. Cosmo SA, then you can contact or send your CV’s to hr@assocmags.co.za and request for more information once it’s available.

I had the privilege of meeting Sbu in November last year at the annual Cosmopolitan Swimwear show, and just fell in love with her, her look and what she stands for. I wish her all of the best for the ‘personal interests’ she will pursue!

And good luck to the lucky lady replacing her…soon!