100th EDITION OUR STORY

In 2021, a small group of journalists formerly employed in the mainstream media gathered in Soweto to share a dream – to start an independent news publication to pursue their undying passion for journalism still burning in their bellies.

Most had left mainstream media under the haze of “job-shedding” which dislodged many experienced journalists – mostly black – from their passion rather untimely, precipitating a chapter of “newsroom juniorisation” across the local media landscape.

Putting this chapter behind, they resolved to set out on the new journey into the unknown, on May 21 2021, braving prevailing adversarial conditions thrust upon global nations by the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns.

Undeterred, they dared fate, going ahead to launch Weekly SA Mirror despite the dire circumstances, sensing an opportune stroke of serendipity.

 What galvanised us was the mission to pursue balanced journalism – a serious challenge at a time when the craft is at a crossroads. However, we committed to engage in journalism that sought to analyse and report with honesty and integrity; to provide insight leading one to own informed conclusions or goal, filling a critical gap.

To us, journalism has always been a calling rather than a vocation, superseding the prescripts of the former by far, fulfilling the noble role of being a potent force for progressive social change.

We believed – and still do – journalism must always live up to its moral call, its greatest virtue being the conscience of our nation, seized by a conscientious sense of duty to take up the cudgels for the downtrodden, the underdog, the man and woman in the street…

Our vision is to rigorously pursue a brand of journalism that sets the news agenda, sparks debate, while holding ourselves to high standards of journalism under the Press Code. Additionally, our objective is to provide coverage that contributes to the diversity of perspectives towards the building of our democracy, and give vent to black aspirations and promote the best interests of our country, Africa and the Diaspora.

So far, our journey has been more than humbling and illuminating. It has taught us that, when one door closes, another opens. It has made us more resilient, compassionate, tenacious and wiser.

We are truly humbled by the constant encouragement out there, from our loyal readers who remain our greatest and unwavering supporters in spite of our imperfections.

For now, we remain unfunded, independent, but emboldened that soon we will attract the light to make this fledgling publication shine brighter…

Co-Publishers Len Maseko and Monk Nkomo