Sbu Ngalwa

Sbu Ngalwa brings more than two decades of experience in South African journalism, having held senior editorial positions in both print and broadcast media. His career includes leadership roles such as:

• Editor-in-Chief at Eyewitness News
• Politics Editor at the Sunday Times
and
• Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Dispatch and DispatchLive
• Two-term former chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef)

He currently serves as its Treasurer-General. His consistent presence across South Africa’s most influential newsrooms affirms his authority and reliability as a media professional of national stature.

Ngalwa’s reporting and editorial work have focused on politics, governance, and accountability, making him a key voice in unpacking South Africa’s political landscape. From his time as a Parliamentary Correspondent to Politics Editor at Newzroom Afrika, he has built deep institutional knowledge of how power operates in South Africa. He is also actively shaping the media industry through his work on journalism sustainability, chairing the Sanef Journalism Sustainability Fund, and contributing to pan-African media leadership as Acting Secretary-General of The African Editors’ Forum (TAEF).

Sbu Ngalwa’s influence goes beyond the newsroom. As a former Sanef chairperson and current fund administrator, he plays a leading role in securing financial and structural support for public interest journalism, particularly in the face of economic pressures threatening the industry. His editorship at major outlets has helped shape public understanding of national political developments, while his advocacy ensures the protection and independence of the press. His legacy includes not only award-winning reporting, but also institutional reform and industry leadership across the continent.

Sbu is a clear, grounded, and insightful speaker with a conversational style that balances journalistic depth and accessibility. Whether on air, on stage, or in columns, he delivers commentary that is calm, well reasoned, and rooted in experience. As a regular media commentator, he is often called upon to explain unfolding political developments and media issues to the public with clarity and authority, making him a trusted voice in South Africa’s public discourse.