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 Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 281
82/100
Factual
79/100
Objective
333
Articles
332
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.
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.
The man who dreamt up Century City
The article discusses Martin Wragge, a prominent South African property developer known for creating major developments such as Century City, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, and Africa's first amusement park, Ratanga Junction. Wragge's career spans decades of real estate development across South Africa and China, where he has built over five million square meters of commercial, industrial, residential, leisure, and retail space. In the mid-1990s, he took over a struggling project on the land that would become Century City, which required rezoning from residential to mixed-use to make it viable. Despite initial skepticism and financial challenges, the project eventually succeeded with the involvement of major corporations and the development of a large shopping center and amusement park.
Who pays when music is ‘free’? The growing cost of digital piracy
The article discusses the impact of digital piracy on the music industry, particularly in Africa, highlighting how the rise of technologies like MP3 files and illegal streaming platforms has undermined artists' ability to earn revenue from their work. It emphasizes the importance of copyright protection for sustaining the creative ecosystem that supports music production, including songwriters, producers, and other professionals. The piece features comments from Chola Makgamathe, chairperson of the Copyright Coalition of South Africa, who argues that piracy affects not just individual songs but the broader industry and the livelihoods of those involved in music creation. The article underscores the need to protect intellectual property to ensure continued growth and innovation in Africa's thriving music scene.
Star-studded field and R50m upgrade set stage for 2026 Nedbank Golf Challenge
The Nedbank Golf Challenge, known as 'Africa’s Major,' is preparing for its 2026 edition in Sun City, South Africa. The tournament will feature a star-studded lineup including Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Rose, and local talents like Casey Jarvis and Marco Penge. Organizers announced a $6 million prize purse, with $1.2 million for the winner, and a significant R50 million renovation of the Gary Player Course, including a redesigned 1st hole and a new practice range. The event will run from December 3 to 6, coinciding with the 91st anniversary of golf legend Gary Player. Additional attractions include music performances by Amapiano artists and international bands. Tournament director Ken Payet emphasized the appeal of Sun City's natural surroundings and family-friendly amenities. Nedbank, the title sponsor, highlighted the event's value to its high-net-worth clients through exclusive experiences.
Khumalo and Crime Intelligence co-accused cleared as NPA withdraws charges
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn all fraud and corruption charges against Dumisani Khumalo, the head of South Africa's Crime Intelligence, and six other co-accused individuals. The charges were dropped during a court appearance in Pretoria on August 21, 2026, with the matter now barred from re-enrollment without approval from the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The case centered around the controversial appointment of Brigadier Dineo Mokwele to a senior role within Crime Intelligence, which was challenged by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac). During testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, former Idac head Andrea Johnson acknowledged Mokwele's qualifications for the role. The accused were previously arrested in 2025 and 2026, but their arrest warrants were suspended due to their perceived importance to national security ahead of the 2026 anti-illegal immigration protests. State advocate Joy Hlatywayo stated that the NDPP instructed the withdrawal of charges unconditionally.
Slum Village are heading to SA for the Back to the City International Festival
The US hip-hop group Slum Village, currently led by rapper T3 and producer Young RJ, has been confirmed as a performer at the Back to the City International Festival in Johannesburg on October 10, 2026. The festival, founded by Osmic Menoe, aims to celebrate hip-hop culture and foster connections between local and international communities. Slum Village, known for their influential work with J Dilla and T3, has had a lasting impact on global hip-hop, particularly in South Africa, where their music has inspired many local producers. Despite J Dilla's death in 2006 and Baatin's passing in 2009, the group continues through T3 and Young RJ, who have released new projects such as 'F.U.N.' featuring other notable artists. Their performance marks a significant event for fans and producers who admire their contributions to hip-hop.
ANC-SACP rift widens
The article discusses growing tensions between the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), part of the Tripartite Alliance. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila criticizes the ANC for reversing progress made during the anti-apartheid struggle, citing issues like austerity measures, government composition, capitalist influence, high unemployment, and adoption of neoliberal economic policies. He is backed by Cosatu president Zingiswa Lose and Popcru leader Thulani Ngwenya. Political economist Dale McKinley views these tensions as recurring and unproductive, noting that while the SACP has criticized the ANC repeatedly over the past 15 years, no significant action has followed. He argues that the SACP remains dependent on the ANC for its economic survival and that their disputes distract from broader challenges facing the ANC ahead of the November local government elections.
Legacy Foundations Impact
The article critiques the current state of South African politics, arguing that many political leaders exhibit immaturity, corruption, and a tendency toward violence while undermining the Constitution. It highlights the decline of the African National Congress (ANC), which has ruled South Africa for three decades, and notes the rise of populist, anti-Constitutional groups that lack the expertise to address the nation's complex issues. The piece emphasizes the growing importance of legacy political foundations in offering intellectual and policy leadership due to the shortcomings of existing political parties, which are described as having outdated ideologies and prioritizing narrow party interests over national concerns. The article also points out that unlike many mature democracies, South Africa lacks robust party-based thinktanks, and the ANC has historically weakened state research and policy institutions.
South Africa’s tourism industry is going digital. Can its businesses keep up?
South Africa is pushing for the digital transformation of its tourism industry, emphasizing the role of technology in attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. At the launch of Tourism Month 2026, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille highlighted the importance of digital platforms like TikTok in helping travelers discover the country. The government aims to leverage these platforms to reach international markets such as India, China, Mexico, and Indonesia. While digital tools offer opportunities for smaller tourism operators to reach global audiences, challenges remain in ensuring they have the necessary resources, skills, and infrastructure to compete effectively online. The success of this initiative depends on whether these businesses can translate online visibility into tangible economic benefits.
NWU brings academic expertise together for local development in the Vaal River corridor
North-West University (NWU) has initiated a collaborative effort involving academic experts, tourism operators, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address local development challenges in the Vaal River corridor. The project focuses on promoting tourism, providing practical skills training, improving safety, and fostering inclusive economic growth in the region. The initiative highlights the importance of integrating university resources with community needs, particularly in areas affected by socio-economic issues and crime. Discussions centered around creating employment opportunities for locals through skills development programs in hospitality and tourism, as well as exploring sustainable tourism models that benefit the surrounding communities. Additionally, efforts to improve environmental conditions and public safety through community clean-up campaigns were emphasized as essential components of building a successful tourism destination.
Patrice Motsepe emerges as a potential unity candidate for ANC leadership in 2027
Patrice Motsepe, a prominent South African billionaire and leader of the African Platinum Group, is emerging as a potential unity candidate for the African National Congress (ANC) leadership in 2027. Although Motsepe has publicly denied any interest in running, the PM27 campaign continues to position him as a viable successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Recent polls suggest Motsepe leads other contenders like Deputy President Paul Mashatile in hypothetical ANC presidential races. The ANC faces significant challenges after losing its national majority in the 2024 general election and forming a Government of National Unity with opposition parties. The upcoming 2026 local government elections, especially in major metropolitan areas like Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape for the 2027 succession contest. Analysts note that while Motsepe enjoys public support, translating this into ANC leadership success remains uncertain.
‘Paul O’Sullivan was a double agent’
Former forensic examiner Paul O'Sullivan faces renewed allegations of being a double agent, with former head of the Gauteng Hawks, Major-General Prince Mokotedi, claiming in a podcast that O'Sullivan worked for foreign intelligence agencies while posing as an anti-corruption activist. These claims resurface after Mokotedi and members of the South African intelligence community allegedly confirmed in 2017 that O'Sullivan was engaged in espionage. O'Sullivan has denied these accusations, stating he was involved with British military intelligence focused on counterterrorism but not acting as a spy. Mokotedi alleges O'Sullivan sought to withdraw his South African citizenship and cooperate with authorities in exchange for having charges against him dropped. Multiple legal cases against O'Sullivan, including charges of extortion, fraud, and espionage, have been filed or are under investigation.