Prof Jafta new chair of Media24's board of directors

Professor Rachel Jafta, professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University, was appointed chair of Media24s board of directors on Thursday. Prof Jafta is the first woman, and first black woman, to hold this position.

Prof Jafta's research interests are in industrial economics, economics of innovation, international trade and Black Economic Empowerment. She holds a B. Econ (Hons) from the University of the Western Cape, an M. Econ and a PhD (Economics) from the University of Stellenbosch. She has received several awards from Stellenbosch University for excellence in research and community service. In 2011, she was the recipient of the University of Stellenboch's Award for Exceptional Alumni.

Prof Jafta's commitment to academic development and social change extends well beyond the university walls. She serves as a trustee for a number of the country's most renowned developmental initiatives, among them the Helen Suzman Foundation, the South African Institute of Race Relations and the Cape Town Carnival Trust, which she co-founded.

Prof Rachel is the Chairperson of the Rachel's Angels Trust, which forms part of Media24's corporate social investment programme, and has been developed in order to prepare Grade 11 and 12 learners for the challenges they might face once they have matriculated. Learners from under-privileged communities are selected to be mentored by senior University of Stellenbosch students, who help them to develop stronger business acumen and real-world skills.

Prof Jafta has been a Director of Naspers since 2003, and Media24 since 2007. Media24 is Africa's leading publishing group and offers information and entertainment 24 hours a day. The group has interests in newspapers, magazines, internet businesses, book publishing, printing plants and distribution companies.

Many of these publications and businesses are award-winning leaders in their respective fields. Media24 also has many international and local sister companies in the media industry through its holding company, Naspers.