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 432
80/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
535
Articles
535
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
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Brazil markets’ Bolsonaro rally sends stock exchange to record high
Brazil's main stock exchange reached a record high after right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro performed better than anticipated in the first round of the presidential election. The positive market reaction suggests investor confidence in Bolsonaro's potential victory, which could influence economic policies and market stability. The election results reflect broader political dynamics in Brazil, where Bolsonaro's strong showing indicates continued support for his agenda. This development has significant implications for both domestic and international investors monitoring the region.
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Jeffrey Archer, bestselling UK novelist and scandal-plagued politician, dies aged 86
Jeffrey Archer, a renowned British novelist and former politician known for his controversial past, has died at the age of 86. His death was announced by his publisher, HarperCollins. Archer gained fame through his best-selling novels but also faced significant controversy, including a high-profile libel case where he was imprisoned for perjury. His career spanned both literature and politics, leaving a complex legacy.
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JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS: JSC fills Supreme Court of Appeal vacancies amid pressure to reform
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in South Africa conducted interviews for 22 vacancies across 11 courts, including three positions at the Supreme Court of Appeal. The process, livestreamed and under public scrutiny, involved questioning candidates on legal issues such as AI usage and past rulings. Notable candidates included Judge Gerald Bloem, who discussed his controversial decision against Shell, and Judge Esther Steyn, who contributed to the Jali Commission report on prison corruption. The JSC is also considering reforms to enable the recall of commissioners who breach conduct standards. The final appointments will be made by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Advocacy groups highlight the urgent need to address vacancies in specialist courts.
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JUSTICE DELAYED: Five years, a murder charge and no trial: The questions over Sheri-Ann’s death
Steven Jacobs, the father of Sheri-Ann Pretorius, faces the frustration of having waited nearly five years for a trial into his daughter's murder, only to learn that the charges against her husband, Jacques Pretorius, have been withdrawn. Sheri-Ann's body was discovered in their Somerset West home in November 2021, initially thought to be a suicide but later determined to be a staged murder scene. Pretorius was charged with premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice in March 2025 but now faces no trial. The state prosecutor stated that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided to withdraw the charges after reviewing evidence, including concerns about the testimony of the state pathologist regarding the cause of death. This development leaves the family seeking alternative legal avenues, such as an inquest, to uncover the truth behind Sheri-Ann's death.
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MARKET INSIGHT: Why should the kasi chicken have to cross the road for a bargain?
The article discusses the complexities of the township economy in South Africa, challenging simplistic views that portray it as either a lucrative but unstable market or a poor, low-margin sector. It argues that businesses must adopt more nuanced approaches, focusing on practicality and reliability rather than just price discounts. The piece references a 2026 report by Rogerwilco, which highlights the variability of township experiences across regions and refutes the notion that consumers are strictly divided into 'savers' and 'bettors.' It also cites Google South Africa's insights, emphasizing that price sensitivity is less significant than accessibility issues in driving consumer behavior.
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SA likely to increase wheat imports after harvest hits eight-year low
South Africa's 2026-27 winter wheat harvest is projected to reach 1.81 million tons, marking an 8-year low and a 5% decrease compared to the previous year. While overall winter crop production is slightly higher at 2.67 million tons, the drop in wheat output is attributed to reduced planting areas and dry conditions in regions like the Western Cape. As a result, South Africa is expected to increase wheat imports to approximately 2.0 million tons during the 2026-27 marketing year. Wheat imports have been a consistent trend since the early 2000s, driven by rising consumption and declining domestic production. Historically, South Africa's wheat plantings dropped below a million hectares starting in the 1997-98 season, partly due to deregulation of agricultural markets and the shift toward more profitable crops.
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Between brilliance and inertia — the dual reality of SA’s legal landscape
The article discusses the contrasting realities within South Africa's legal system, highlighting both instances of judicial excellence and systemic failures. It references two cases where judges demonstrated efficient and principled rulings, such as the University of South Africa v EdNews.Africa case handled by Judge Colleen Collis and the Icasa case overseen by Judge Petrus van Niekerk. However, it also critiques the inconsistent performance of the Equality Court, which is designed to address equality issues more efficiently. The article mentions an ongoing case involving the South African Human Rights Commission against Dawood Lagardien, who allegedly displayed discriminatory signs and created a WhatsApp group targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. While the Equality Court has potential to address sensitive issues effectively, its failure to consistently uphold its mandate raises concerns about the protection of fundamental rights.
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WILD LIFERS: The wicked problem of controlling baboons
The baboons of Simon’s Town, South Africa, are set to be relocated to a fenced enclosure where they will remain permanently. This plan has sparked significant debate between local residents, conservationists, and city officials. Proponents argue that relocation ensures both human safety and the baboons' well-being, while opponents view it as a form of captivity. Scientists like Professor Justin O’Riain support the relocation to a designated sanctuary, believing it provides a safer environment for the animals compared to their current urban habitat. However, others, such as Dr. David Gaynor, advocate for alternative solutions rather than permanent confinement. The controversy highlights broader questions about the classification of baboons, whether they are wild animals, problematic neighbors, or entities deserving of rights akin to humans. The proposed Urban Wildlife Centre represents a political compromise aimed at avoiding euthanasia, though it continues to face criticism from various stakeholders.
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The crucial word missing from SA’s wildlife debate
South Africa's wildlife debate centers on the concept of 'sustainable use,' but the article argues that the term 'ecologically' has been omitted from discussions, leading to ambiguity. The Constitution's Section 24 mandates that natural resource use must occur within ecological limits to protect the environment for current and future generations. This implies that any use of wildlife must ensure ecological sustainability, including maintaining wild populations, genetic diversity, and ecosystem functions. While wildlife-based enterprises can support local economies and create jobs, they must not compromise ecological integrity. The article emphasizes that true sustainability depends on preserving ecosystems, which underpin both wildlife survival and human economic benefits.
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LOCAL ELECTIONS TOUR: Sewage spills, service cuts, repeated audit failures — inside one of SA’s worst-run municipalities
Daily Maverick reports on the ongoing struggles of the Sundays River Valley (SRV) Municipality in the Eastern Cape, which is among South Africa's worst-run municipalities. Residents in areas like Valencia and Hopetown face unreliable water access, poor sanitation, and deteriorating infrastructure. The municipality has received a 'disclaimed audit opinion', the worst possible audit outcome, from the Auditor-General, indicating severe mismanagement. Historical tensions include violent service delivery protests in 2014, where municipal buildings and councillor homes were burned due to frustration over unmet needs. Despite some improvements in water and sanitation, community trust in local governance remains low, with residents expressing disillusionment after decades of ineffective leadership. The article highlights concerns about the impact of these conditions on daily life and the potential ineffectiveness of upcoming local government elections.
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EDUCATION: Empty desks matter: tackling chronic absenteeism in schools
The article discusses the issue of chronic absenteeism in South African schools, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by educators in tracking student attendance and addressing the underlying causes. Chronic absenteeism negatively impacts students' academic performance and life outcomes, with research showing that frequent absences lead to lower scores in core subjects and reduced engagement with school activities. The article emphasizes that absenteeism is not just an individual problem but has a spillover effect on the entire classroom environment, affecting even those students who attend regularly. The author notes that socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and transportation costs, contribute significantly to the issue, making it a complex challenge for schools.
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SA’S CANCER STORY (PART 2): SA’s cancer story: Are diagnosis rates actually surging?
The article explores whether cancer diagnosis rates in South Africa are truly rising, examining various factors influencing cancer trends. It notes that while there are concerns about increasing cancer rates, especially among younger populations for colorectal cancer, other types like cervical cancer may see declines due to HPV vaccination. Demographic shifts, including an aging population, contribute to higher cancer incidence. However, global studies show that age-standardized cancer mortality rates have decreased in wealthier nations despite overall increases in absolute numbers. In poorer areas, lifestyle changes associated with urbanization, such as increased smoking, alcohol use, and obesity, are contributing to rising cancer risks. The National Cancer Registry (NCR) reports around 91,600 diagnosed cases in 2024, but it does not account for undiagnosed cases. Mathematical modeling is used to estimate total cancer cases, highlighting complexities in interpreting cancer statistics.
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Local Elections 2026: Spies eyes Tshwane as FF+ could deny the DA its majority dream
In preparation for the 2026 local government elections in Tshwane, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is facing challenges in securing an outright majority due to the growing influence of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink aims to implement policies focused on governance stability and improved services, emphasizing the need for a clear majority to avoid reliance on coalitions. However, the FF+, led by returning candidate Willie Spies, is gaining traction, potentially splitting the DA's voter base. This shift reflects a broader national trend of FF+'s rise in local elections, with significant gains in both Tshwane and nationwide representation. While the DA remains leading in recent polls, the FF+'s increasing presence complicates the DA's strategy for achieving a governing majority.