A Call from New York to Stand Up for Free Speech and Press Freedom
By Zubeida Jaffer Columbia University’s School of Journalism in New York has made a bold and urgent call to action for all who value the core principles of free speech and a free press. In an unprecedented statement, the school’s entire faculty has urged people across the political spectrum to stand firm against the growing […]
A Banana a day – What I learnt this Ramadaan.
By Zubeida Jaffer An apple a day keeps the doctor away. We all grew up with this familiar saying. This Ramadan (Islamic month of fasting), I learnt that a banana a day was an equally good idea. Fasting is a time for self-reflection and seeking to consciously become a better version of oneself. I want […]
Bokaap, Afriforum and Solidarity: The Call for Cultural Preservation
By Zubeida Jaffer The dusk was still, with not a leaf stirring in the wind. Yet, the streets of Wale and Rose in the Bo-Kaap were alive with energy. People of all ages, races, and faiths, had gathered for a special occasion. They came to break their fast or simply be part of the vibrant […]
Launching Becoming Charlotte
View the full book launch Gallery here By Zubeida Jaffer Times are challenging in our country and in the world. To become fully ourselves it helps to draw on inspirational stories of others and our own. I decided to write this book because I realised that the researched biography that I completed in 2016, was reaching […]
When Truth is Desecrated
Friday May 10 2024 The Democratic Alliance’s symbolic desecration of a national symbol is not the most disturbing aspect of the recent flag-burning advertisement. Granted, as most commentators have said, it is a crude effort to garner votes at the expense of that which binds all South Africans. Helen Zille believes if the DA does not […]
An Open Letter to the President of Columbia University
Nelson Mandela once said that the Palestine issue is the greatest moral question ofour time.13 October 2023 Dear President Minouche Shafik, Thank you for your letter addressed to Columbia alumni and friends on 10 October. Iread it carefully, pondered over it and discussed it with other friends who respectColumbia University, our alma mater.These discussions did […]
Sindiwe’s Gold
Photograph by Ruschka Jaffer “Miners produce tons of rocks to access a small amount of gold. They do not let the rocks distract them – they focus on the gold. They bear no-ill will to the rocks – they never contemplate their non-existence.” These words popped onto my telephone screen while I was mulling over […]
Acceptance Speech on receiving Honorary Doctorate at Stellenbosch University 2022
Whereas Ms Zubeida Jaffer has achieved exceptional merit and given proof of eminent gifts of intellect, character and leadership, and in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the South African media industry, her commitment to factual and accurate reporting as a tool to inform and empower, and sharing her knowledge to guide a new generation […]
Zubeida Jaffer receives honoris causa degree From Stellenbosch University, Monday 5th December 2022 at 9am
Today I receive a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), honoris causa degree from the University of Stellenbosch. I am deeply moved by this acknowledgement. May we ALL be acknowledged for the sacrifices we made for this country. To watch the live streaming of the event: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Pages/Streaming.aspx Time: Broadcasting typically begins 15 minutes prior to the start […]
In Memory of Phindile Xaba on Black Wednesday
Zubeida Jaffer, Shepi Mati, Frank Meintjies and Phindile Xaba South Africa has come a long way from the dark day of October 19, 1977 when the Apartheid regime squeezed the noose tightly around press freedom. Known as Black Wednesday, the day has appropriately become the official South African Media Freedom Day. On that day in […]