Oliver Shambira

Journalist/Copy sub-editor

Talent

Johannesburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan MunicipalityMember since 8 September 2025

Journalist/Copy sub-editorResilienceAbility to work under pressureMeticulous attention to detailImpressive oral and written communication skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem solvingExcellent team playerPositive attitude

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Journalist/Copy sub-editorResilienceAbility to work under pressureMeticulous attention to detailImpressive oral and written communication skills

About

Organised, detail-oriented and self-driven journalist with a keen eye for detail and vast experience as a copy sub-editor. Navigates high-stress situations and achieves set goals on time. Collaborative team member who adjusts easily and can cope in any environment. Always strives to deliver error-free clean copy within set deadlines. Great team player, ready to take on challenging assignments and exceed expectations.

Experience

Freelance sub-editor - The Citizen - 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Graighall, Johannesburg

(2024-07)

Senior copy sub-editor - Pretoria News

(2007-12 - 2023-10)

Editing, rewriting, re-angling and cleaning up copy for both online and print versions of the newspaper
Checking and verifying facts, correcting grammar
Ensuring copy complies with media law and ethics and adheres to house style
Writing captions and headlines
Liaising with various departments in the stable to ensure smooth flow of newspaper production process
Liaising closely with reporters, photographers and editors to produce balanced stories that spare the paper legal trouble
Checking that pictures and captions to be carried are in sync with story; rectify all spelling, punctuation and grammar errors
Rewrite and improve copy and in some instances get the reporter/editor/news editor to clarify facts so we run error-free copy
Help coach reporters on how to approach certain stories with eye set on ensuring clean, comprehensive copy to maintain readers' trust and retain advertisers on whom the paper heavily depends for its sustenance.

English copy sub-editor - Capital Media: Rekord Newspapers - 32 Orpen Ave, Lydiana, Pretoria 0184, RSA

(2007-03 - 2007-11)

Bilingual papers, worked as English copy sub-editor and did page layout

Senior copy sub-editor - The Zimbabwe Independent

(2002 - 2007)

Assistant Editor - The Times - 71-7th Street, Gweru, Zimbabwe

(1997 - 2002)

Duties entailed general news gathering/reporting, page layout, copy editing presiding over compilation of supplements, supervision and coaching of interns and standing in for the editor.