FIPP Insider South Africa

As Managing Director of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, I have responsibility for our brand activity across all platforms (magazine, bookazine series, website, social, CRM, podcast, video…). I own the P&L and lead the commercial and content teams – it’s an amazing job which I love! 

As a market-leading brand in the UK, we are nonetheless exposed to the same challenges and opportunities as fellow publishers in the category and across specialist interest media.  We are undoubtedly operating through a period of transformation, working hard to protect and innovate in print whilst shaping our business to capitalise on the exciting opportunities for growth we can see.

Key highlights for us over the last 12 months have ranged from launching a Premium content offering on GardenersWorld.com, breaking through the 4.5 million downloads on our Podcast, and delivering the highest revenue-generating monthly magazine sale at Newstrade in 15 years (£1.4m RSV) with our May 2023 issue.

Maphala Makgoba is a seasoned Audience Development Manager with over 20 years of experience in newspaper operations, broadcast and TV production, and distribution management. Knowledgeable in audience development, audience engagement, and audience monetization.

Capable of offering effective leadership and management, resulting in high-impact consumer acquisition (B2B and B2C) and retention strategies across many platforms. Committed to assisting in the creation of major strategic programs that result in the best possible consumer experiences.

Her background is diverse, ranging from subscription sales as a telesales consultant for South Africa’s largest Sunday publication to various responsibilities within the circulation department, culminating in an executive position that included board presentation. She is currently working as a lead specialist for a media organization, where she is responsible for managing the infrastructure for circulation and audience growth and turning around the business model for maximum profitability.

Lyndon Barends is a dynamic strategist and change leader with a diverse background across industries. He began as an IT entrepreneur before assuming pivotal roles, including Director at Standard Bank, CEO of the South African Olympic Committee, CEO at Primedia’s Sports Marketing Division, and the CEO of the national horseracing industry. His career exemplifies a commitment to innovation and transformation.

Lyndon’s dedication extends to the community, where he runs marathons to raise funds for charitable causes. His remarkable contributions have earned him prestigious awards, such as the Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Education in South Africa, the Lennon Award for Community Health in Southern Africa, and the New Orleans Mayor’s Award for enriching the arts and heritage of New Orleans.

Lyndon is a visionary leader known for his strategic prowess, commitment to change, and passion for making a positive impact on education, health, and culture, embodying the essence of a change-driven leader with a heart for community and philanthropy.

Jerusha Raath leverages a decade’s experience as a journalist and editor in her role as Head of Adspace Studio, Media24 news content, and design studio. Under her leadership, the studio was named best globally at the 2023 Native Advertising Awards and at the 2023 INMA Global Media Awards.

A multiple-award winner for digital publishing, she was chosen as one of 28 women globally for the Poynter Institute’s 2018 Leadership Academy for Women in Digital Media. She holds an MBA from Wits Business School, serves on the IAB South Africa’s Content Marketing Committee and is a coach for the South African Media Investment Partnership.

The former GM of Luxury at Arena Holdings, Media24 Sales Head and Media Consultant, Yvonne moved into the magazine and print industry with Readers Digest in the early 90’s and worked up the ranks to Director of Sales, winning various awards. Yvonne has a wealth of experience spanning more than 30 years in media and is passionate about the brands she has nurtured and grown and most importantly the relationships she has formed over the many years of working in the media sector.

A former magazine editor, Jacquie has – amongst others – headed up the editorial teams at ELLE South Africa, VISI magazine and Business Day Wanted. She is also an e-commerce entrepreneur as co-owner of The Makery Collection fashion jewellery brand as well as co-founder of the Vintage with Love literacy charity.

Ntokozo Maseko is a journalist and magazine editor who has been active in the media, brand communications and content management landscape since 2007. She’s worked as a writer and features editor for various magazines and was the youngest editor of South Africa’s oldest title, BONA. In communications, PR and content she’s worked as a copywriter and content director on luxury brand accounts, was head of communications for MAC Cosmetics and, most recently, was head of content for Africa’s leading art fair, FNB Art Joburg. Ntokozo has been featured in the Mail & Guardian Top 200 South Africans list for her work in media

The former Publishing Director of Ndalo Media, Ingrid oversaw the publication of ELLE, ELLE Decoration, Destiny, and Destiny Man as well as the custom publication Sawubona in-flight magazine for SAA.

At YourLuxury Africa, Ingrid edits the
annual Watch and Jewellery-themed edition as well as all special editions.

Jade dos Santos is a strategic consultant with an extensive track record spanning over 17 years, dedicated to shaping and executing marketing and digital go-to-market strategies for both domestic and international enterprises.

At the core of Jade’s professional ethos lies a steadfast commitment to driving business expansion through digital empowerment. This extends to orchestrating comprehensive solutions that help empower clients in both the B2C and B2B environments.

Throughout his journey, Jade has had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse spectrum of brands – from agile South African startups to global corporate giants. His portfolio boasts an array of iconic brands, including names such as Standard Bank CIB, The BMW Group, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, BCX, Old Mutual, and Visa, to name a few.

The new Future Shopper Report 2030 presents a truly global view of online shopping behaviour and will help retailers and brands understand the trends they need to act upon today, and strategically plan for in the future, to succeed online.

Julia has 13 years of experience in the digital media industry, focusing on data and reader revenue strategy.

After cutting her teeth in the editorial side of the industry, Julia moved into the commercial arena, first working as an analyst for Yahoo and The Athletic in San Francisco and later as Reader Revenue Lead at Arena Holdings.

As the Revenue Director of Media 24 Lifestyle magazines and SNL24, Bea is the driving force behind a remarkable National Sales Team and Create Studio, a dynamic internal agency shaping the future of client campaigns.  

Bea works strategically with the Weeklies editors and Growth Manager on a variety of Diverse projects such as Brand Extention sponsorships and events like the Huisgenoot, You, and Drum Kids Fest to ensure that the brands stay ahead of industry trends while serving our clients with precision and meeting the needs of our readers.