Popular media personality, Tanya Nefdt, has joined the Eclipse Group of Companies as its Head of Online News.
Using her vast experience and skills in journalism and broadcasting, the CNN fellow and former news anchor, broadcast journalist and producer of the eNCA lifestyle show, The Spotlight, will focus on creating packaged multimedia content for a new owned platform as well as other channels. According to Nefdt, she will be producing real stories about real people with real human interest.
For the past 16 years, Nefdt has been well loved by many South Africans for her good news stories. Voted the 2021 Vodacom Journalist Of The Year in the Lifestyle Category, Nefdt has interviewed some of the world’s most powerful people including Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson and a bevy of Hollywood movie heavyweights.
The Eclipse Group of Companies is the parent company of Eclipse Communications in South Africa and Mauritius as well as being involved in other businesses in diversified markets and geographies where the Group sees future growth potential.
Nefdt recalls her first meeting with Eclipse Communications and Group Founding Partner, Jacki McEwen-Powell over 20 years ago when Sun International was one of her clients. ‘McEwen-Powell was such an inspiration to me during my career in Sun International’s marketing department. She sparked the writer in me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I have followed her dynamic career over the years and the incredible growth trajectory of Eclipse Communications. I’m super excited to align myself with such a winning company, and with so many leading brands.’
Nefdt, who grew up on the Cape Flats and raised her son as a single mom, endured many hardships along the way. She is a strong believer in the power of sisterhood, with the women in her life shaping her world view and her career.
‘This Women’s Month, I honour all the women in South Africa for their resilience. I am eternally grateful to my mother and sister, who are my best friends. There is nothing more important to me than family.’
‘I am so inspired by the incredible women in this country and truly believe we are all warriors. We fight this silent battle every day and just get on with it, the endless tasks and mountains we have to climb. I will always be grateful to Debora Patta, who believed in me and got me into broadcast news. I was a weather anchor at the time, a rough diamond with no experience and Patta polished me up and taught me how to be bold and not allow anyone to drag me down.’
McEwen-Powell, who has always admired Nefdt’s vibrant energy and passion, welcomed her on board. ‘Nefdt’s deep understanding of the news and how news is consumed will add immense value to our market offering. We are very excited that Nefdt chose to join us and add her immense talent and personality to an already impressive group of people within our business,’ said McEwen-Powell.
ECLIPSE COMMUNICATIONS
www.eclipsecomms.com
