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 […]
DEVELOPING A NEW NATIONAL NARRATIVE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
By Zubeida Jaffer I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land. My body has frozen in our frosts and in our latter-day […]
A Thousand Books In One Day
By Zubeida Jaffer Modderdam High School in Bonteheuwel collected one thousand books on Saturday 28 May 2022 when they organized a library book fair at the school and made one book the entrance fee. Some attendees ranging from learners, educators, guests, and other education administrators surprised them and brought stacks of books that were piled […]
The Importance of Strengthening Systems and Institutions
South African institutions are limping. Nobody will dispute that the country faces huge challenges. Covid-19 has laid bare the fault lines in our society. The provision of jobs and the creation of a fair social system will not be possible if institutions are not functioning fully. The recent fire at parliament raises many questions about […]