ZAOwnership & classification
Founded: 2009
Ownership
Daily Maverick is a South African online news outlet co-founded in 2009 by Branko Brkic (Serbian-born editor-in-chief) and Styli Charalambous. It is owned through a holding company whose shareholders are largely non-profits and trusts; the largest single shareholder is the South African non-profit Inkululeko South Africa Media, with smaller stakes held by various trusts and by the founders themselves. No state, party or single oligarch controls it.
Funding
It runs a hybrid revenue model: reader memberships and donations (Maverick Insider), philanthropic grants, advertising and events.
Affiliation & stance
Daily Maverick is independently owned by a spread of trusts, non-profits and its founders, with no party or government control, which is why it is classified INDEPENDENT. It is known for hard-hitting investigative journalism (e.g. Scorpio unit) and a broadly liberal, accountability-focused editorial stance rather than partisan alignment.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 525
80/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
643
Articles
641
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
The elite coaches SA keeps at home
South Africa's national rugby team, the Springboks, has achieved remarkable success in recent years, including two consecutive Rugby World Cup victories and consistent performance in the Rugby Championship. This success stems from a robust domestic coaching structure that starts at the school level and extends through provincial systems, emphasizing professionalism, intensity, and high standards. Despite producing talented coaches, South Africa has struggled to export these experts to major international clubs. Some notable exceptions include Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Johann van Graan, and Franco Smith, who have had successful careers abroad. However, figures like Zacharia 'Swys' de Bruin, a highly regarded coach known for his player development and tactical acumen, have not secured prominent roles overseas. De Bruin's career highlights include transforming the Lions into Super Rugby finalists and contributing to the Springboks' 2019 World Cup campaign.
SOCIAL NOURISHMENT: Child hunger drives Free State community to step in when school meals stop
In Nyakallong, Free State, a local daycare center called We Care Daycare has taken action to address child hunger after the government's school nutrition program ended during school holidays. The program, which provides meals to students during term time, becomes inaccessible during breaks, leaving many children without food. Recognizing this gap, We Care Daycare, originally established to support families affected by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerabilities, continues feeding up to 200 children per day during the holidays. The center collaborates with multiple nearby schools and is supported by the Free State Department of Social Development. Staff emphasize that proper nutrition is crucial for children's ability to focus and learn, highlighting the broader impact of food insecurity on education and well-being.
BOOK EXCERPT: ‘No time for tears’ on Robben Island: When Lilian Ngoyi visited Madiba in prison
This article recounts Lilian Ngoyi's visit to Nelson Mandela on Robben Island in August 1973, highlighting the rare nature of such visits during Mandela's imprisonment. Ngoyi, a prominent anti-apartheid activist, drew inspiration from a biblical parable about Jonah before her visit. Mandela, then held in maximum security, was typically only visited by specific groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross, legal counsel, and a few select individuals. The article notes that none of Mandela's former comrades were granted access, raising questions about why Ngoyi's visit was approved. It suggests the state may have wanted to monitor their interaction. The visit was significant for Mandela, offering a rare break from prison monotony. The article describes the bureaucratic process of entering the island, including the requirement to register and pay a ferry fee, emphasizing the strict control over visitor access.
THE CONVERSATION: SA scientists decode cancer’s ‘cloak of invisibility’ in ‘major leap forward’
South African scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how cancer cells manipulate their surface proteins to avoid immune detection. Researchers at the University of Cape Town's Scientific Computing Research Unit discovered that cancer cells alter the structure of the MUC1 protein by shortening its sugar chains, effectively cloaking tumors from the immune system. This change prevents immune signaling and creates an anti-inflammatory environment that promotes tumor growth. Published in Nature Communications, the study reveals the molecular mechanisms behind this 'cloak of invisibility,' offering potential targets for new cancer therapies such as vaccines and biomarkers. The research highlights the importance of understanding aberrant glycosylation patterns, which are linked to various cancers and have been identified as a high-priority therapeutic target by the US National Cancer Institute.
FINANCE WELLNESS COACH: There’s a case for giving children an early inheritance
An article discusses the potential benefits of transferring wealth to children while parents are still alive, rather than waiting for death. It suggests that giving children money earlier can significantly impact their financial stability, especially if they face immediate financial challenges such as housing costs or education expenses. The piece emphasizes the importance of assessing personal financial needs before making transfers, recommending a detailed retirement income projection to ensure there is genuine surplus capital. It also outlines the tax implications of gifting, including donations tax rates and annual exemptions, and proposes alternatives like loans with interest to minimize tax liability. Additionally, it addresses the issue of fairness among siblings, advising that any early gifts should be factored into estate planning to maintain equitable distribution.
HUNGER GAME: Gunner give it a go: Arsenal ready to ‘fight’ for more Premier League glory
The article discusses Arsenal Football Club's pursuit of reclaiming the Premier League title, highlighting their recent achievement of winning the league for the first time since 2004 under manager Mikel Arteta. It traces the team's history of league successes, noting that Arteta's victory marks the first time an English manager has won the league in their second season. The piece compares Arteta's ambitions to those of past legends such as Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, and Alex Ferguson, emphasizing the challenge of achieving consecutive league titles. Arteta expresses his desire to join an elite group of managers who have secured multiple consecutive Premier League championships.
Cost of winning: The big business of SA schoolboy rugby comes with red flags
The article highlights the success of South African schoolboy rugby, particularly focusing on the Junior Springboks' achievements in the 2024 Junior World Championship and the Under-18 International Series. It emphasizes the strength and development of the school rugby system, crediting coaches like Lwazi Zangqa and Drickus Venter for recognizing the contributions of school programs to nurturing talent. The piece notes the growing number of registered players, the competitiveness of top schools, and the emergence of new teams like Stellenberg, which defied expectations by achieving strong results. While celebrating the system's effectiveness, the article also hints at the commercialization and financial aspects of school rugby, suggesting it has become a significant part of South Africa's sports ecosystem.
THE LOWLY NEWSPAPERMAN: Infantino’s rotten Fifa reign calls Motsepe’s morality into question
The article discusses the history of corruption within FIFA, focusing on the reigns of Sepp Blatter and his successor Gianni Infantino. It describes Blatter's authoritarian rule, his inflated ego, and his alleged involvement in organized crime-like practices, including bribery and exploitation of poorer member nations. Blatter, despite his tarnished reputation, remained in power until 2015, surviving scrutiny due to his effective cover-up tactics. The article highlights the role of investigative journalist Andrew Jennings in exposing these issues. It then shifts to critique Infantino's leadership, suggesting he has adopted similar strategies, prioritizing political maneuvering over football governance.
POETRY CORNER: Arrive at your own door: on feathered things and finally meeting the self
This article presents a literary analysis of Derek Walcott's poem 'Love After Love,' interpreting its themes of self-discovery and inner healing. The poem is discussed as offering hope through self-acceptance rather than external change, suggesting that individuals can recover their sense of self after periods of distress or alienation. The author draws parallels between the poem's message and the need for personal and communal reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa, emphasizing the importance of valuing one's own existence and fostering internal peace over external validation. The piece reflects on the broader implications of the poem's message for societal healing and self-reflection.
WATCH: ANC denies Chikane withdrew from Joburg mayoral race as party announces potential candidates
The African National Congress (ANC) denied reports that veteran member Frank Chikane had withdrawn from the mayoral race for Johannesburg. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated during the party's announcement of potential mayoral candidates for eight metropolitan areas and 44 districts that Chikane remains under consideration for the Johannesburg mayoral candidacy. The ANC emphasized that it will only reveal potential candidates now, with final selections scheduled for September. Mbalula highlighted the party's efforts to raise the standard of qualifications for mayoral candidates, stating that previous mayors were often chosen post-election without strict criteria. The ANC faces significant scrutiny ahead of local government elections, with Johannesburg being a critical battleground. Chikane could face strong competition if selected, including opposition candidates from various parties.
Emails, contradictions and admissions: How Fadiel Adams story unravelled at Madlanga Commission
Fadiel Adams, a key witness in the Madlanga Commission investigation into corruption within Crime Intelligence and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), faced intense scrutiny during his testimony. Initially, Adams provided critical evidence that triggered the inquiry, but as the hearings progressed, inconsistencies in his testimony emerged. He admitted to lying about the timing of his sworn statement, citing confusion and technical issues with his parliamentary laptop. Additionally, Adams revised his account of meetings with a whistleblower named 'Elvis,' claiming he had contacted the individual prior to visiting the police station. His testimony also included challenges to the handling of his documents by IDAC officials, with the commission presenting evidence to verify these claims. The week-long session exposed discrepancies in Adams' narrative, leading to a reevaluation of his credibility and the reliability of his claims.
I have a picture for you! 15 August-21 August 2026
The article is an advertisement for The First Thing newsletter's 'Ever-lasting Subscriber Photo Gallery,' which invites subscribers to submit their photos for display. It features a date range of 15 August-21 August 2026, suggesting a specific period for submissions. The content appears to be promotional material rather than news reporting, focusing on engaging subscribers through visual content.
PARK INVASION: Fever trees felled, fencing destroyed near iSimangaliso — 52 people arrested
In the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal, indigenous fever trees covering at least 10 hectares and millions of rand worth of wildlife fencing were destroyed during community-led protests. At least 52 individuals were arrested for offenses including trespassing, damaging property, and public violence. The incidents occurred after community members expressed frustration over delayed land claim settlements. Two roadblocks were set up on the R22 road, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority stated that an interim court order had been issued to prevent illegal occupation of the park, which the protesters allegedly violated. Authorities described the protest as 'well-organized,' suggesting possible external funding.