This year we will mark the day with a panel discussion on media freedom in SADC. The panel includes respected
editors Fernando Goncalves from Mozambique and Mpho Dibeela from Botswana. Given the problems that are
being faced by the media in these countries with arrests and trials, Mpho and Fernando, joined by City Press editor
Ferial Haffajee, will explore the challenges there and in South Africa and how to build solidarity in the region. The
discussion will be facilitated by Sanef Gauteng Convenor Mahlatse Gallens.
A short documentary produced and directed by journalist Marion Edmonds will also be screened. Titled “The
Trouble With Truth”, it tells the story of The Guardian newspaper founded in 1937 and which later became one of
the leading voices against apartheid. It was continuously banned, changing its name many times, including to New
Nation and then Spark, when it was banned for the last time in 1963. Many of the journalists were imprisoned and
went into exile. Members of the New Age staff included Brian Bunting, Fred Carneson, Eli Weinberg, Wilton
Mkwayi, Govan Mbeki, Alex la Guma, Ahmed Kathrada, Ruth First and Walter Sisulu.
Our guest will be Lynn Carneson McGregor, the daughter of Fred Carneson, who was first the manager and then editor until 1963. Lynn’s exhibition, Red in the Rainbow, is being held at the Slave Lodge Museum in Cape Town.
Date: Monday, 19 October
Time: Noon to 3pm (includes lunch) (Registration from 11.30am)
Venue: Kentridge Conference Room, 54 on Bath Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg ( Free parking provided)
RSVP: Mathipa Chepape at [email protected] by Friday, October 16