Read more about the article Journalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration – 70 years later
A picture taken on November 25, 2011 shows the cover of South African magazine Drum celebrating its 60 years in Johannesburg.

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

The African Drum was launched in 1951. After a lacklustre three months, the owner, Jim Bailey, brought a friend out from England, Anthony Sampson, to edit the magazine. They did some informal research and were told that black readers wanted sport, jazz, celebrities and “hot dames”.

Continue ReadingJournalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration – 70 years later
Read more about the article Mandela was a flawed icon. But without him South Africa would be a sadder place
Former South African president Nelson Mandela

Mandela was a flawed icon. But without him South Africa would be a sadder place

Nelson Mandela’s talent for reading the political runes was not always matched by his ability to read people. Internal political leaders who’d publicly criticised Winnie were side-lined but his patrician’s hope that he could have a benign influence on her evaporated.

Continue ReadingMandela was a flawed icon. But without him South Africa would be a sadder place

How the COVID-19 pandemic will affect informal workers. Insights from Kenya

COVID-19 is going to have a devastating impact on economies. Africa has a particular vulnerability because so many people work in the informal sector. In an interview with Moina Spooner…

Continue ReadingHow the COVID-19 pandemic will affect informal workers. Insights from Kenya