Vrye Weekblad: An analysis of the visual strategies in a South African newspaper
Date
2021-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In post-apartheid South Africa, the prevalence of nostalgia within cultural commodities has
been chiefly viewed as escapist and an endorsement of the previous status quo. When the
weekly anti-apartheid newspaper was officially revived, various forms of nostalgia could be
seen. In this research article, the visual strategies as employed by the Vrye Weekblad team in
its different forms of publications - Vrye Weekblad print newspaper (VWB), the e-paper
VryeWeekblad.com (vwb.com), and the unique Vrye Weekblad Papier (Papier) are
investigated. The anti-apartheid publication requires an investigation into its contribution to
developing a democratic and tolerant society. This investigation is accomplished through
Nicholas Mirzoeff's notion of visuality. By looking at the work, VWB did expose the
underlying myths of Afrikaner ideology through an analysis of Roland Barthes' concept of
mythologies. The contemporary revival of the weekly has the mission of establishing and
reaffirming its brand identity as a progressive and left-leaning publication in a society now
far more liberal than its original context. The various visual strategies they used in the revival
of the publication are thus examined within the framework of nostalgia. This research aims to
better understand the revival strategies of an old anti-apartheid newspaper and contribute to
the thinking of Afrikaner identity through an appropriation of nostalgia.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen Afrikaanse opsomming beskikbaar nie.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen Afrikaanse opsomming beskikbaar nie.
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2022.
Keywords
South African newspapers, Vrye Weekblad (Newspaper), Journalism -- South Africa, Apartheid -- South Africa -- Newspapers, South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-, Apartheid -- South Africa -- History, Revivals -- Newspapers -- South Africa, Afrikaners -- Ethnic identity, UCTD