SmartHotGirl: Sbu Mpungose

At only 28, this talented woman is an editor of one of South Africa’s esteemed beauty and lifestyle magazines. After receiving her Journalism qualification, she went on to pursue a thriving career in media. Having worked with Drum and Edgars Club Magazine as assistant editor, she went on to accomplish even more as editor of Bona and Move magazines. So notable was this young women’s career path that she was awarded ADMag Editor of the year in 2007 and the Vodacom Women in Media (Rising Star) award in 2009 and after our chat, I predict that there is a whole lot more to come from this Go-Girl. Guys and girls, True Love’s editor: Sibuyelo “Sbu” Mpungose

What did it take to get where you are right now? (With reference to your capabilities & state of mind)

A lot of hard work, put mildly, there were a lot of hours put in as well as a positive mindset.

What is the first thought that came to mind when you were appointed as the editor of a 39 year old magazine?

Eventually! I got it, all the experience and everything that I had worked for in life so far, was towards this.

Where you a regular True Love reader before your appointment?

Yes, I was. True Love has always been a glossy magazine that sets trends and I have been reading it throughout the years, since the age of 16.

What other magazines do you read for enjoyment and not work purposes?

Locally, I read the magazines within the 24Thought group – Move and Real magazine. Internationally, Essence and Ebony magazines. I also enjoy reading GQ, even though it’s a man’s magazine, I find it witty and interesting.

What next big job title would you like to hold?

None in particular, what I do want however is international exposure within the magazine trade.

How many times do you draft your editor’s note/letter?

I do one sitting, I obviously think about it before then, because I know that it has to be done. Once I get started, I just put down what’s genuinely on my mind. I do some research and try not to only quote what’s in the edition itself, but to also write a piece that gives my views.

In brief, what are an editor’s responsibilities?

Firstly, I’m an ambassador for the TL brand with respect to all stakeholders (clients, advertisers, readers). I manage and motivate my team and of course edit and partake in concept development.

In your opinion, what makes a personality worthy of gracing your cover page?

Finding a cover woman is not easy as we are not just looking for someone who’s been on TV for 5 minutes and then is nowhere to be seen. We look for someone with substance, a person who has excelled in what they do. Someone who’s been tried and tested in the industry throughout time and is always looking to achieve more.

Can you please describe a True Love Magazine reader?

A TL reader is a woman who stays ambitious, takes care of herself – physically and mentally. Someone who strives to be empowered, educated and takes care of their image by always being and looking their best.

Is it hard to put together the interests’ of a range of women into 220 pages?

Not really, the magazine has an open-minded appeal and is therefore put together for readers that fall within our target range – young and old.

People are sometimes reluctant to change, how do you introduce new ideas and or trends to old True Love loyalists?

With dynamic social trends coming up every day, change is always among us. Editing the magazine is something that I’ve always wanted to do. True Love is now revamped; it looks fresh and has a different outlook which has been well received.

Are you currently happy with the magazine, or would you like it to take on a different stance going forward?

True Love is a gem and has staying power and I am happy with how the magazine is currently running. We have Simphiwe Dana in the next issue and the cover is looking bold and beautiful.

If you could choose a cover woman from anywhere in the world, who would it be? And why?

We wanted to have Jennifer Hudson on the cover with a local personality a while back. She’s a black woman who goes through experiences that all women could relate to. Right now though, Caster Semenya is definitely a woman who I’m looking to get on the cover of TL. She epitomises feminine power and she is a world champion in her own right, she’s the kind of woman that deserves to be on the cover of a magazine. Doing a cover story on her could also grow and broaden her image and I hope that the team she works with will allow her to gain this kind of press coverage.

How does it feel to be in a position where you influence the knowledge of others, through your work in the magazine?

It’s a great opportunity that allows me to see the beauty of black women. At Thought24, we work with positive brands that build and encourage women rather than break them down. Personally, I work with an excellent team that know and are good at what they do.

In just the 15 minutes that I spent talking to Sbu, I saw nothing close to the character of Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada”. This authentic lady has the beauty, brains, and boldness, to keep SA women turning to the next page for years to come.