ZAOwnership & classification
Founded: 1985
Ownership
The Mail & Guardian is a South African weekly newspaper and website published by M&G Media in Johannesburg. It began in 1985 as the Weekly Mail, founded by journalists after the closure of the Rand Daily Mail and Sunday Express. From 2017 a majority stake was held by the New York-based non-profit Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF); in 2024 MDIF sold that majority to chairperson Hoosain Karjieker and director Thembisa Fakude, with a staff share trust and original founders holding minority stakes.
Funding
It is funded overwhelmingly through commercial activity — advertising, subscriptions and digital revenue — which it says provides more than 90% of its income, supplemented historically by impact-investor backing from MDIF.
Affiliation & stance
The Mail & Guardian is privately owned by its managers, a staff trust and founders with no party or state control, which is why it is classified INDEPENDENT. It has a long record of independent investigative journalism and a broadly centre-left, liberal editorial stance, but no partisan ownership.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 12
60/100
Factual
55/100
Objective
23
Articles
23
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Recent coverage
60% of under 24s jobless: experts call for skills overhaul and TVET reform
South Africa's youth unemployment rate remains alarmingly high, with 45.8% unemployment among those aged 15–34 and 60.1% among those aged 15–24 in Q1 2026, according to Statistics South Africa. Experts highlight the economic costs of this trend, including increased pressure on public finances and reduced opportunities for young people. The article notes the term 'born frees'—referring to those born after 1994—may seem ironic given the challenges faced by this generation.
AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY: How Feroz Khan tried to circumvent Madlanga Commission and shot himself in the foot
The article discusses Deputy Crime Intelligence boss Feroz Khan's recent legal actions regarding the seizure of state-owned devices from his home by the Political Killings Task Team. The Madlanga Commission attorney, Mari Wilsnach, criticized Khan's ex parte court application as a 'gross abuse of process' and a 'sham,' claiming it was an attempt to bypass flaws in his main urgent court bid. Khan is seeking to recover the devices, arguing that the data might reveal covert operations and prevent assassinations. He is currently on bail for separate charges related to precious metals, alongside ex
The president has spoken but whether he can deliver hangs in the balance
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation regarding South Africa's migration crisis, outlining a strategy to secure borders and enforce laws against illegal employment. Opposition parties argue that while policies are well-intentioned, there is a significant lack of resources and enforcement capability to implement these plans effectively. ActionSA's Lerato Ngobeni emphasized that the issue lies not in the absence of legislation but in the lack of enforcement power and funding.
Oxford study finds world’s highest heat-risk cities concentrated in Asia and Africa
A study conducted by the University of Oxford identifies that over 95% of the world's highest heat-risk cities are located in South and Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The research analyzed 205 cities with populations exceeding one million and highlights how factors such as infrastructure inequality, income disparity, and limited access to cooling contribute significantly to these risks. The study emphasizes that extreme heat has become one of the most dangerous and inequitable outcomes of climate change, particularly affecting regions with rapid urbanization and weak resilience systems
Nigeria’s perilous French gambit
The article discusses the growing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France since Nigerian President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023. It highlights Tinubu's close relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron, noting that Paris has become Tinubu's most frequent foreign destination. The piece contrasts Nigeria and France, describing them as 'unlikely pairs' due to their differing historical contexts but pointing out shared characteristics such as a sense of national pride and cultural identity. The article mentions the establishment of the France-Nigeria Business Council in 2021.
Violent attacks on black African migrants will not resolve national employment crisis
The article discusses violent attacks against black African migrants in South Africa during the commemoration of Africa and Workers' Days. It critiques the narrative promoted by certain groups that blame black African migrants for high unemployment, crime, and poor public services, noting that these claims lack evidence and rely on colonial racist assumptions. The article highlights existing socio-economic inequalities affecting black South Africans but argues that attributing these issues solely to migration is misleading.
Apply to study at the university you know and trust – #MyNWU
The North-West University (NWU) has opened its 2027 application season, with nearly 20,000 prospective students having already applied since 1 June 2026. The university expects to accommodate 11,900 first-year students for the 2027 academic year, including spaces in non-contact or distance learning programs. Applications for selection courses will close on 30 June 2026, while general course and residence applications are due by 31 August 2026. Postgraduate applications close on 30 November 2026. Contact information is provided for applicants seeking assistance.
eThekwini city manager fires back at accusers, asks them to prove sexual allegations against him
Musa Mbhele, the eThekwini city manager, denies allegations of seeking sexual favours in exchange for jobs. He claims the accusations are part of a campaign to damage his reputation and asserts that no evidence has been presented to support the claims. Mbhele addressed the issue during a public event organized by the Xubera Institute. Labour unions and opposition parties have called for him to step down pending the outcome of an investigation.
Protected: SAACA is teaching the next generation to care through pet cancer awareness
SAACA, an organization focused on animal cancer awareness and education in South Africa, emphasizes the importance of educating pet owners about early cancer detection in pets. The organization also runs a youth education program targeting children aged two to six, aiming to foster empathy and kindness toward animals through interactive learning in schools and early childhood development centers.
Level up your fun with the durable, long-lasting HUAWEI nova 15 Max
The article promotes the HUAWEI nova 15 Max smartphone, highlighting its features such as long battery life, durability, and affordability. It emphasizes the phone's ability to support users during various activities like weekend escapes, road trips, and social gatherings. The device is marketed as a cost-effective option for South African consumers, with a starting price of R7 999 and additional launch benefits.
NWU Eagles secure promotion, place in national final
The NWU Eagles secured promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and qualified for the national final after defeating KwaZulu-Natal champions Mkhambathi FC 2-1 in the semi-finals. The team had faced challenges early in their campaign, including a goalless draw against Mpumalanga champions Luthuli Brigades, but bounced back strongly in subsequent matches.
From Soshanguve to BMW South Africa
The article highlights Cecil Sithole's journey from growing up in Soshanguve, a township in South Africa, to becoming a software engineer at BMW South Africa's IT Hub. It details how he used free Wi-Fi from a local primary school to research and apply for university despite missing the initial application deadline. The piece emphasizes themes of talent, opportunity, and access to information in the context of South Africa's challenges with youth unemployment.
Xiaomi 17T officially launches in South Africa – The Telephoto Master arrives with Leica-powered storytelling capabilities
Xiaomi has officially launched the Xiaomi 17T in South Africa, positioning it as a high-end smartphone tailored for creators and photographers. The device is co-engineered with Leica and highlights advanced camera features such as a 50MP main camera with Leica optical lens technology. It will be available starting June 9, 2026, through Vodacom stores, with a monthly payment plan beginning at R799 over 36 months. A free Xiaomi Smart Humidifier 2 is included with purchases while supplies last.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.