Editor Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Plans and directs editing of a publication such as a newspaper, magazine or journal in accordance with editorial policies and guidelines and accepted rules of grammar, style and format prior to printing and distribution.
What does a Editor do?
An Editor shapes content before it reaches readers. The work can include planning an issue or publication, commissioning or selecting material, checking facts and language, applying an organisation’s editorial style, coordinating contributors and making sure text, images and layout are ready for publication. Editors may work in newspapers, magazines, journals, websites, technical publishing or other publication environments.
Specialisations
How to become a Editor in South Africa
- Strengthen your writing, reading and language skills at school and practise editing different types of content.
- Build experience by editing newsletters, websites, blogs, student publications or other suitable projects, keeping examples for a portfolio.
- Look for junior publishing, editorial administration, subeditorial or content-related opportunities to develop practical workplace experience.
- Consider a relevant pathway such as the Occupational Certificate: Text Editor (NQF Level 6, 195 credits), Occupational Certificate: Permissions Editor (NQF Level 6, 32 credits) or Occupational Certificate: Commissioning Editor (NQF Level 7, 169 credits). These pathways relate directly to editing work but should not be assumed to be universally compulsory.
- Develop experience in a specialised area such as news, features, technical, legal, pictures, programme, website or blog editing, depending on your interests and opportunities available to you.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Editors need to combine strong language use with sound judgement, organisation and an understanding of the publication’s audience, policies, style and format. A portfolio showing careful editing and a range of published or practice work can help demonstrate readiness. Before enrolling, confirm the current status, availability and entry or assessment details of any occupational certificate with SAQA or an appropriate provider.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- History
- Business Studies
Skills that may help
- Editing and proofreading
- Grammar, spelling and style awareness
- Planning and coordinating publication content
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Judgement about content and audience
- Working with editorial policies and guidelines
- Organisation and deadline management