South African writers back Coetzee’s Boycott of Jerusalem Writers Festival
By Zubeida Jaffer The National Writers’ Association of South Africa (NWASA) has expressed its...
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Category: Written by Zubeida
South Africa and Namibia Lead Africa on 2026 Press Freedom Index
South Africa and Namibia lead Africa in the 2026 Press Freedom Index, both ranking above the United States. Their standing reflects strong legal protections and media independence, even as global press freedom reaches its lowest level in 25 years.
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New Johannesburg Centre to bridge knowledge gap on Islam in Africa
By Zubeida Jaffer A new research institution, the Centre for Islamic Research – Africa...
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Art and Ubuntu Trust Launches Groundbreaking Book Series Elevating African Knowledge and Artists
By Zubeida Jaffer Johannesburg, March 26, 2026 In a vibrant celebration of African intellectual...
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Are the camels on the horizon?
By Zubeida Jaffer The United Arab Emirates’ late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum once said when...
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Words can move mountains: Remembering Diana Ferrus
Poet Diana Ferrus has died. Her poem helped secure the 2002 return of Sarah Baartman’s remains from France to South Africa.
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What makes aging with grace possible?
By Zubeida Jaffer My mother, Raghmat Jaffer, reached the age of 99 years by God’s grace in...
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“I feel so helpless -so ashamed to be a human being”
Zubeida Jaffer reflects on Shabbir Banoobhai’s plea and the moral weight of Gaza solidarity, as the Global Sumud Flotilla sails and Cape Town marches demand justice. A quiet meditation on compassion, conscience and collective responsibility.
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Global Media organisations call for an end to killing of journalists
In September 2025 more than 50 global media organisations gathered in Johannesburg to adopt the Johannesburg Declaration, committing to media integrity, journalist safety and action ahead of the G20. The M20 calls for a Media Integrity Monitoring Framework and a global push against impunity for attacks on journalists.
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Veteran journalists speak out against killing of Gaza journalists
Veteran journalists who once fought apartheid in South Africa have condemned the ongoing killing of journalists in Gaza. In a strongly worded statement, they demand accountability for Israel’s actions and urge the South African government to review its ties with Tel Aviv.
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An Open Letter to Marlene Le Roux at Artscape
In this heartfelt open letter, Zubeida Jaffer reflects on the 2025 Women’s Humanity Festival at Artscape, led by Marlene Le Roux. From the stirring voices of Danielle Speckman and Ernestine Nur Stuurman to urgent conversations on peace, environmental protection, and inclusivity, the event showcased the power of art and community to inspire change.
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Remembering Ashley, the Che Guevara of the Cape Flats
By Zubeida Jaffer Thirty-eight years ago this month, South African apartheid police murdered...
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