Vrye Weekblad: An analysis of the visual strategies in a South African newspaper

Date
2021-12
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.
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
Citation