Thabang Mokopanele
Johannesburg
Summary
Experienced professional with over 15 years in newsrooms and corporate communications. Skilled in roles from Markets and Companies Editor to Managing Director. Trusted advisor to high-profile clients with expertise in content strategy, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and executive positioning. Proven track record in cultivating thought leadership and enhancing reputational strategy within financial services, property, and government sectors.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Managing Director & Communications Consultant
Leano Media
01.2023 - Current
- Lead communication strategies for clients including Nedbank CIB and SAPOA.
- Produce press releases, blogs, deal announcements, and executive thought leadership.
- Manage newsletters, events content, and editorial planning for SAPOA's Property Review.
- Recognized for editorial rigor and deep sector knowledge in property and finance.
Markets and Companies Editor
Business Day
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Directed national coverage of corporates, markets, and executive news.
- Increased readership by 48% through stakeholder engagement and content innovation.
- Led editorial teams and managed newsroom operations.
Language Editor
CSIR
03.2015 - 12.2021
- Edited scientific and technical documents for clarity, consistency, and impact.
- Developed communication material for both internal and external distribution.
Property Editor
Business Day
01.2008 - 12.2014
- Produced high-impact reporting on South Africa's commercial and residential sectors.
- Developed features aligned with investor and regulator interests.
- Established the property section as a key industry voice.
Financial Journalist
Business Report
01.2003 - 12.2006
- Covered earnings, policy developments, and capital markets.
- Interviewed executives and regulators.
- Simplified complex financial topics for general audiences.
Education
BA Degree -
University of the Witwatersrand
Copy Editing Certificate - undefined
University of Cape Town
Certificate in Financial Journalism - undefined
Rhodes University
Skills
Clear brand communication
Media Relations & Crisis Communication
Stakeholder & Executive Engagement
Thought Leadership & Content Strategy
Social Media & Digital Campaigns
Corporate Writing & Editing
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Project Management & Editorial Direction
Launchmetrics
Google Analytics
SEO
Web Content
Social Media (LinkedIn, X)
Copywriting
Digital Campaigns
Internal Comms
Press Releases
Budgeting
Timeline
Managing Director & Communications Consultant
Leano Media
01.2023 - Current
Markets and Companies Editor
Business Day
01.2021 - 12.2022
Language Editor
CSIR
03.2015 - 12.2021
Property Editor
Business Day
01.2008 - 12.2014
Financial Journalist
Business Report
01.2003 - 12.2006
Copy Editing Certificate - undefined
University of Cape Town
Certificate in Financial Journalism - undefined
Rhodes University
BA Degree -
University of the Witwatersrand