Top picks for our second birthday

This month marks the second birthday of The Journalist, and to celebrate we dig deep into our archives and bring you our top six articles as follows; a controversial speech by Stellenbosch university alumnus, Lovelyn Nwadeyi, which made waves among the establishment; a report on why the apartheid era dealings of corporates like Naspers went unchecked at the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) hearings; The story of a local scientist who has a solar system named after him and the pioneer of indigenous languages S.E.K Mqhayi; the fascinating tale of the first black South African idol, Karin Kortje; and a review of the must-read Rape: A South African Nightmare by Pumla Dineo. We bring you the context; recall forgotten narratives and forge ahead to re-write history.

The speech that (still) won’t go away

The speech by Stellenbosch University alumnus, Lovelyn Nwadeyi went viral earlier this year, bringing much needed attention to the formarly white institution about language policy and university leadership. She described her words as incorporating honest reflection, painful truths and a hopeful outlook. Watch and read her speech here.

SA Rocket Scientist reaches for the stars

Siya Xuza is no ordinary scientist from Mthata, he actually has an entire solar system named after him. His dream began at the age of six, when he saw a helicopter flying across his township. What Siyabulela Xuza witnessed that day ignited his curiosity in what it takes to make things fly. Read more here.

Piercing the curtains of modernity

S.E.K Mqhayi wielded his artistry as a formidable weapon. He was a pioneer of indigenous languages. As a linguist and key thinker of the early 1900s, he embarked on the arduous project of standardising the grammar of isiXhosa. As a storyteller and journalist, he established himself as a raconteur of our fears, our histories and our aspirations. Read more about him here.

What’s missing? Nasper’s late, half-apology for Apartheid

Last July, South Africa’s biggest media group, Naspers, did something it should have done 20 years ago: apologise for the role it played during Apartheid. While the apology took many by surprise, it did little to shed light on how Naspers – now Africa’s largest media company with a market value of over $61 billion – was complicit in the actions of the apartheid government during the time. But just how deep did its collaboration run with the oppressive regime? The truth was never told. Read Sibusiso Tshabalala’s report here.

Rise, fall and rise again: from farmworker to Idol

Ten years ago: Karin Kortje packs apples in the orchards of Grabouw, near Cape Town. She earns R358 a month- just enough to buy food and pay a little rent to her family. Then Karin wins the biggest, most famous reality show of all. South African Idols. She’s the first black performer ever to win the top prize. Karin Kortje is on top of the world…until things go wrong. Read about her journey here.

Rape: A South African Nightmare

To be a young black woman is to fight relentlessly. If there was any one text I would suggest in the bag of a warrior, it would be ‘Rape: A South African Nightmare’, by Dr Pumla Dineo Gqola. Who is this book for? Everyone who wants to live in an equitable society, free from violent masculinities and the cult of femininity. No one is too young or too old, too wise or too ignorant. In fact, if you look at the title of the book and put it down thinking that rape is an issue for women and black women at that, then this book is even more for you. Read Youlendree Appasamy’s review here.