Just hours before The New Age newspaper was due to hit the streets today, five top members of its editorial team, including the editor, mysteriously resigned, the latest in a series of setbacks for the controversial paper.
Editor Vuyo Mvoko, his Deputy Karima Brown, News Editor Amy Musgrave, Opinion and Analysis Editor Vukani Mde and Arts and Culture Editor Damon Boyd have all resigned but have remained mum on the reasons why.
Thus far The New Age launch has already been postponed twice and it has only appeared in its online platform.
Comment from The New Age website: “The anticipated launch will be withheld, however the management and staff remain fully committed and are assured that this project will be a success. Management is satisfied that all sections of the project are on track and will advise shortly of its future plans. We are pleased to announce that our night editor, Jeremy Shepherd Smith has been appointed as acting editor in the interim.”
The newspaper is to be published by Bennett Colemen & Co LTD which publishes the world’s largest English newspaper, The Times of India. It is funded by the Gupta Group, which has close links to the ruling ANC, and will be run by Essop Pahad, former Minister in the Presidency.