Sekunjalo Group has officially confirmed its plans to launch The National, a brand-new national newspaper brand, backed by strategic partners based in both the United States and Europe.
The announcement, made by Sekunjalo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lucien Jacobs, follows his previous statement on June 15, 2026. Jacobs revealed that the upcoming publication will form part of a much broader, aggressive media strategy designed to revitalise South Africa’s media ecosystem through heavy investments in marketing, circulation, digital innovation, and an expansive portfolio that spans national, regional, and vernacular publications.
According to Jacobs, applications for various structural positions at the newly minted media house have officially opened to the public via its dedicated digital platform, https://thenational.co.za.
A vision for sustainable journalism
“Our vision is to establish a leading national media platform built on quality journalism, editorial excellence and commercial sustainability,” Jacobs said. He emphasised that the rollout of The National is strictly guided by sound commercial principles and a deep-seated commitment to engineering a financially viable and sustainable future for independent reporting.
The group noted that the impending launch has already stirred immense interest across the local media industry and beyond. The initiative is expected to unlock significant employment opportunities for journalists, content creators, editors, and technical media professionals throughout the country.
Jacobs further highlighted that Sekunjalo has consistently stepped up to invest in and sustain its media entities over many years, frequently doing so under highly challenging economic circumstances. “Our commitment to preserving, strengthening and growing independent journalism has remained unwavering,” he stated.
Sekunjalo Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lucien Jacobs.
End of Independent Media licensing agreement
Addressing ongoing corporate transitions, Jacobs confirmed that the historical licensing agreement allowing Independent Media to operate Sekunjalo-owned mastheads has officially concluded. He added that a future corporate directive will eventually determine whether those legacy mastheads will be licensed out to external third parties or formally integrated into Sekunjalo’s fresh, upcoming publishing ventures.
While welcoming the positive reception from stakeholders who value media freedom and industry growth, Jacobs expressed disappointment at the hostile reactions emerging from competing corners of the market.
“It is disappointing that certain media organisations appear unwilling to accept the challenge of expanding the media landscape, increasing competition and creating employment,” Jacobs noted. “A vibrant democracy benefits from a diversity of voices, perspectives and media institutions, and we believe investment in journalism should be welcomed rather than discouraged.”
Backlash over ‘orchestrated campaigns’
The CEO also took aim at rival media houses for dedicating what he called a “disproportionate attention” to Sekunjalo’s internal business affairs. While acknowledging that accountability and media scrutiny are fundamentally vital pillars to a healthy democracy, Jacobs argued that all commercial entities should be granted the equal opportunity to innovate, operate, and compete freely. He warned that targeted, orchestrated corporate campaigns risk creating fundamentally unfair and misleading public perceptions.
Looking ahead, Jacobs reaffirmed that the group’s focus is locked firmly on building commercial success, defending high-quality journalism, and boosting national job creation.
“Our focus remains firmly on the future: building sustainable media businesses, supporting quality journalism, creating jobs and making a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s media ecosystem. We will continue to pursue these objectives with determination, transparency and a commitment to long-term commercial success,” Jacobs concluded.
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