Lesley Cowling

Aggrey Klaaste, right, used the Sowetan newspaper to drive his Nation-building campaign. He is seen here with John Mabatho, the newspaper’s production manager. Paul Velasco © Arena Holdings

October 18, 2021

How South African editor Aggrey Klaaste put himself on the line with his contrarian idea

Lesley Cowling, University of the Witwatersrand

Klaaste was distressed by what was happening in black communities, where residents faced state terror and political violence. He sought to restore values such as self-help and neighbourly conduct.

South African lawyer and part-time fashion model, Thando Hopa, at an exhibition of Drum magazine front pages in. Johannesburg. Gianluigi Gueracia/AFP via Getty Images

December 9, 2021

Journalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration ‑ 70 years later

Lesley Cowling, University of the Witwatersrand

The magazine grew to be the largest circulation publication for black readers in South Africa, and expanded to include East and West African editions.

Journalists Thami Mazwai, left, and Jon Qwelane before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s special hearing on the media. They accused the white-owned press of colluding with apartheid. Reuters

October 18, 2015

Media feel pressure as divisions widen on the role of journalists in South Africa

Lesley Cowling, University of the Witwatersrand

South Africa seems more divided than ever on the media, as the governing ANC revives plans for a dreaded tribunal many fear would muzzle the press.

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How South African editor Aggrey Klaaste put himself on the line with his contrarian idea

Journalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration ‑ 70 years later

Media feel pressure as divisions widen on the role of journalists in South Africa

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