Prior to joining Absa, he was Editor of Business Day newspaper, also based in Johannesburg, from 2014 to 2016 after a year as Senior Associate Editor at the Financial Mail. As a journalist and editor, Songezo has written extensively about South Africa’s political system, economy and social dynamics. Since 2007 he has been a consistent and recognized voice for accountability, good governance, nation-building and the building of a dynamic, inclusive economy.
Songezo is currently on the boards of two non-profit organizations, namely, the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE), a research think tank based in Johannesburg; and the Open Society Foundation South Africa (OSFSA).
Author
In September 2014 Songezo completed a book, Raising the Bar: Hope and Renewal in South Africa which was published by Picador Africa/Pan Macmillan. The book is an analysis of South Africa’s political and social dynamics, and made clear proposals for political and administrative reforms in order to deepen and strengthen the country’s democratic culture and the rule of law.
The book was long-listed for the Sunday Times Alan Paton Award of 2016.
Recognition
In 2015, Songezo was recognized with the Rising Star Award by his alma mater, the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth.