The company has today announced that Makhudu Sefara, Editor of The Star, has left the company with immediate effect. The parting of ways between Makhudu and Independent Media SA was amicable and mutually agreed upon.

Makhudu, having worked for the company previously, returned in 2009 and has since been with Independent Newspapers approaching five years during which time he rose through the ranks to edit The Sunday Independent and later The Star. He very ably led The Star for more than two years and was recently called upon to oversee difficult but necessary changes at the paper, a task he successfully completed with grace and sensitivity.

The company and Makhudu could not agree on how best to use Makhudu's talents further in the company. As a consequence, Makhudu and the company agreed on a separation agreement that was amicable and about which they are not prepared to comment on any further.

The company is working on finding a suitable date and time to host a formal farewell event for Makhudu in acknowledgment of his service and value to us, and to give each and every one of us a chance to pay tribute to our friend and former colleague.

The Star's deputy editor Kevin Ritchie has been appointed as Acting Editor for the paper until further notice. We wish Kevin and the staff at The Star well during this transition, and are fully confident in their ability.

We also like to take this opportunity to wish Makhudu well in all his future endeavours.

Statement issued by Tony Howard, Deputy Executive Chairman of Independent Newspapers South Africa, June 30 2014

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