3. THE PEOPLE
3.1 Partner profiles
Senior partner
Johan Blignaut
ID number
64 0582 5425 081
Address
11 West Street, Blairgowrie, Randburg
Cell number
Tel: 088 938 7176
Qualifications
B.Com in Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand (1978).
Practical experience
Accountant at Russell & Harvey for five years (1979-1984)
Joined Big City Media, a publishing company, in 1985 as Accountant. Switched to publishing and became Deputy Publisher, then Publisher and finally Managing Director. Among his portfolio of titles at Big City Media were Rough Stuff (niche 4×4 magazine) and Max Revs (niche magazine for car modifiers).
Personal abilities
- Understanding of publishing, finance and general management
- Experience as a publisher in the automotive sector
- Negotiating at a senior level
- Management of staff
- Understanding of the advertising sales process
Junior partner
Bernard Plaatjies
ID number
76 2481 5618 081
Address
28 Kowloon Crescent, Greenstone, Edenvale
Cell number
Tel: 088 637 81267
Qualifications
BA (Hons.) in Journalism, Rhodes University (1998).
Practical experience
Journalist at Daily Times newspaper (1999-2003); Motoring Editor at Daily Times newspaper (2003-2007); Deputy Editor at Motor World magazine (2007-2008); Editor at Motor World magazine (2008 – present)
Joined the respected Daily Times newspaper and learned the ropes as a general news journalist, before deciding to indulge his automotive passion and become Motoring Editor at the newspaper. He then moved to Motor World magazine, the largest-circulation monthly automotive magazine in South Africa, where he was first Deputy Editor and subsequently Editor. Under his editorial leadership, Motor World has also established an online presence.
Personal abilities
- Experienced journalist/editor, particularly with regard to coverage of motoring and related fields.
- Knowledge of, and contacts in, the SA and international motor industry
- Experience in leading and managing editorial staff
- Close relationships with other experienced and respected motoring journalists (potential pool of high quality staff).
