Johannesburg – September 26, 2025 – The Press Council of South Africa (PCSA) has appointed veteran journalist and media leader Thabo Leshilo as its new Public Advocate, effective 1 November 2025.
Leshilo, who replaces the retiring Fanie Groenewald, will serve a five-year term and work alongside Groenewald until December to ensure a smooth handover. His appointment comes at a critical moment when media accountability, public trust, and ethical journalism dominate both local and global conversations.
A Trusted Voice for the Public
As Public Advocate, Leshilo will act as the public’s first point of contact when raising complaints about ethical or journalistic misconduct by PCSA member publications. His role is to advocate for complainants, guide them through the process, and ensure fair, transparent outcomes in line with the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct.
The PCSA described the position as a bridge between the public and the media, reinforcing its commitment to fairness, accessibility, and accountability.
Justice Bess Nkabinde, who chaired the appointments panel, praised the decision:
“Mr Leshilo is a highly respected figure in the South African media landscape. His appointment strengthens the Council’s work of protecting press freedom while ensuring that the public has recourse when ethical standards are not met.”
Career of Integrity and Leadership
Leshilo brings over three decades of newsroom and editorial leadership. He previously served as Editor-in-Chief of the Sowetan and Sunday World, and as Public Advocate at Avusa Media.
His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Applied Ethics from Wits University and the prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, where he studied media freedom and editorial governance.
Dr Phathiswa Magopeni, Executive Director of the PCSA, welcomed his appointment:
“Mr Leshilo’s grounding in applied ethics and wealth of journalistic experience bring wisdom and credibility to this role, at a time when public trust in the media is under scrutiny.”
Leshilo on His New Role
Speaking on his appointment, Leshilo said:
“I am honoured to serve as Public Advocate of the PCSA. Media accountability is fundamental to sustaining trust. I look forward to ensuring the public has a fair and accessible platform to raise concerns, and to working with newsrooms to entrench a culture of ethical, responsible journalism.”
Why the Appointment Matters
The appointment comes at a time when misinformation, disinformation, and digital disruption threaten public confidence in journalism. The PCSA says the role of Public Advocate is vital to safeguarding press credibility in South Africa’s democracy.
About the PCSA
The Press Council of South Africa is an independent co-regulatory body that oversees more than 400 media members subscribing to its Code of Ethics and Conduct. It adjudicates complaints, promotes ethical journalism, and is a member of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA). ✍️ By Loxion News Staff Writer
