JOHANNESBURG — Vincent Magwenya has been appointed as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's new spokesperson, more than a decade after occupying a similar role for Jacob Zuma. 

Magwenya takes on the role after leading his own consultancy since stepping down as CEO of one of South African's biggest PR firms, Magna Carta, in 2016.

As Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Magwenya takes over from Tyrone Seale, who held the position in an acting capacity since July 2020, when Khusela Diko took a leave of absence over allegations of her role in the Covid-19 PPE tender scandal. 

"[Magwenya's] experience, insight and capabilities will strengthen our efforts to effectively communicate the work of the Presidency as we undertake the work of recovery and rebuilding," said Ramaphosa in a statement.

In total, Magwenya spent more than seven years with Omnicom-owned Magna Carta across two stints, in between which he worked as spokesperson to former President Jacob Zuma, followed by a stint leading communications at key Magna Carta client Standard Bank.