Time Out South Africa has appointed Rory Petzer as its new Culture Connector focused on sport, the publication announced this week. Petzer, a four-time Comrades Marathon finisher, will bring his perspective to the games, personalities and sporting moments that resonate with South African audiences. His appointment marks a significant step in the publication’s strategy to deepen its engagement with local sporting culture while maintaining the witty, insightful approach that defines Time Out’s coverage.
Building on Local Expertise
Petzer joins Time Out as the platform expands its presence across South African cities. The company has been partnering with local storytellers who know their communities firsthand, aiming to surface South African perspectives on a global stage. These collaborations help audiences discover the people, places and experiences shaping local culture while encouraging readers to get out and explore their own cities with fresh eyes.
“Rory brings a distinctive voice, an infectious energy and a genuine passion for South African sport and the people behind it,” said Time Out South Africa Managing Director Aisha Mohamed. She described sport as a powerful cultural force that creates shared moments and reflects national identity. Mohamed emphasized that sport brings people together and tells us much about who we are as a nation.
From Comedy to the Playing Field
Petzer has built a following through viral in-car observations, sold-out comedy shows and MC work. His accolades include multiple Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards and a DStv Content Creator Award. His storytelling spans video and the written word, with a sharp, relatable approach that has earned him a loyal audience. Beyond his comedy credentials, Petzer arrives with sporting credentials that extend well beyond the armchair, having completed the grueling Comrades Marathon four times.
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The appointment reflects Time Out’s broader ambition to broaden how it covers South African cities. Mohamed said the brand wants to reflect the full experience of urban life, from food and music to the sporting moments that unite the country. As Time Out South Africa grows, the publication aims to capture the full mix of city experiences, recognizing that sport plays an integral role in how South Africans understand their communities and themselves.
Petzer described the role as a natural fit. “Time Out South Africa has always championed the culture and stories that make South Africa special, and sport is such a huge part of that story,” he said. “I’m proud to bring my own twist to it – a mix of laughter, local flavour and a healthy dose of unearned authority – to a platform that celebrates this country as much as I do.” His collaboration brings together his passion for sport and his talent for finding humour in everyday South African life, a combination that Time Out believes will resonate strongly with readers.
His first feature under the new title will preview the Springboks’ third Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 5 September. Readers can access his take from Thursday, 3 September, across Time Out South Africa’s platforms covering Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The highly anticipated encounter between the two rugby giants represents exactly the kind of sporting moment that unites South Africans across different cities and backgrounds.
Petzer’s sports-focused series will explore the humour, pride and shared experiences that define South African sporting culture. Time Out said the appointment builds on its commitment to working with trusted local voices who connect audiences with the people, places and experiences shaping the country’s cities. His contributions will make sport accessible, entertaining and deeply connected to the audience, bringing a fresh perspective to how Time Out tells the stories of South African cities.
