On the eve of Press Freedom Day, The Herald commemorated its 180th anniversary with an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and purpose. South Africa’s oldest running newspaper marked the milestone by celebrating its legacy of fearless journalism and giving back to the community that has shaped its journey through a powerful partnership with the Kolisi Foundation.
The gala evening was a powerful homecoming for many, including myself, having begun my media career at The Herald’s sister newspaper, Algoa Sun, before moving on to The Herald, where I spent a combined decade. I’ve worked with this team and can attest firsthand to the ink that runs in the blood of every journalist in that newsroom. Held at a packed venue in the heart of Gqeberha, the event was a vibrant celebration of community and storytelling. It was beautifully hosted by Unathi Nkayi, the Eastern Cape-born broadcaster and media personality, herself a journalism graduate and daughter of the region. The night pulsed with pride, memory, and the enduring power of local stories.
“I come with love,” Unathi said in her opening remarks. “The Herald has persevered when others closed. This is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to truth and those who protect it.”
Honouring Legacy, Uplifting Community
Editor-in-Chief Rochelle de Kock opened the evening with a powerful reflection on The Herald’s journey—from its roots in print to its current multimedia evolution. “We’ve covered iconic events that have shaped our community. Journalism is more than news—it’s about shaping a just world and telling the stories that matter,” she said.
In the spirit of giving, The Herald chose the Kolisi Foundation as the beneficiary of the night’s proceeds. A silent auction—including a signed Springbok jersey and portrait—helped raise R707,000, which will go toward educational and sports development at six schools in Zwide, reaching over 3,600 learners.
Siya shared stories from his upbringing in Zwide, including the culture shock and deep personal growth he experienced after receiving a bursary to Grey High School. “I went from being a top student to watching my grades drop due to not understanding a word of English,” he recalled. “When someone first asked me, ‘ How are you?’ in a school meeting, I could only reply ‘Yes.’” It was a humbling journey of adapting, learning, and growing.
But even then, hope found a way.
His childhood coach, who discovered Siya at an under-12 match, shared heartfelt memories of a young player who was “tiny but robust,” with unmatched passion and early leadership qualities. “He played his first match with us in boxers, but you could see he had something special,” the coach remembered. “We pushed him not just athletically, but intellectually too—he mastered both.”
Siya’s message was clear: no one makes it alone. “There’s no such thing as self-made. Someone has to open the door for you. My journey is built on people who crawled so I could walk.”
More Than a Celebration
The gala was more than a celebration of journalism—it was a cultural moment. Electrifying performances by Dumza Maswana, Ami Faku, J’Something, and music legend Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse set the tone for a night that honoured roots, resilience, and responsibility.
Siya Kolisi reminded guests of what true community means: “In the township, if you need something, you ask your neighbour. If I’m doing well but my neighbour isn’t, then we’re not really doing well.”
The words of Theodore Roosevelt, evoked earlier in the night, summed up the spirit of the evening: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” It was a fitting tribute for The Herald—a publication that has stayed in the arena for 180 years.
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