Prior to 1994, the media operated in an environment that can best be described as ‘suppressed’. Diversity of thoughts, views and opinions on media platforms were non-existent as the regime, at the time, ruled with an iron-fist. A variety of print media outlets sought to reflect reality, but it was a steady struggle especially for those with meagre resources, and exacerbated by the constant clampdowns. The state-run broadcaster, if anything, entrenched discriminatory principles and practices. Given our precarious past, the birth of democracy proved to be the perfect panacea for a promising pathway for the media fraternity. Transformation, in more ways than one, permeated the sector. Reflections of the South African Media: 1994-2019 is a compilation by authors who have peculiar insight of and excelled in the different areas of the fast-developing industry in the first 25 years of South Africa’s democracy. And they are no ordinary authors. Every chapter contributed came from women and men who had, through the years, a direct link with ML Sultan Technikon, Technikon Natal, Durban Institute of Technology (DIT) or Durban University of Technology (DUT) * either as a student, lecturer, visiting professor, speaker or associate. Compiling and editing this book has been an incredibly invigorating experience. It was never in doubt whose image will adorn the cover of the book, so it was beautifully uplifting that many authors, not knowing my choice, gave Nelson Mandela due recognition. My brief to the authors was simple: let me have your personal lookback in your own style on the topic that you are most comfortable with. All of them stepped up to the plate, and the vast array of content in the book bares strong testimony. A section titled Journeys in Journalism encapsulates input from alumni of DUT Journalism – they were afforded free reign to trace the territory they traversed. I’m indebted to each and every contributor for generously volunteering their precious time and talent to the book. They were simply magnificent. It has to be said that this publication far exceeded my expectations as it, initially, was a humble idea to celebrate 25 years of the media industry with a handful of contributions. Little did I realise that my desk will be flooded with 40 pieces of excellence and a Foreword penned by the brilliant Jeremy Thompson. My eternal gratitude must also be extended to the small team of assistants for understanding my vision upfront and rallying remarkably throughout. Once you’ve enjoyed the read, I invite you to share Reflections of the South African Media: 1994-2019 with whoever you believe can benefit from its rich and diverse content!
