Mail & Guardian

Mail & Guardian combines a newspaper with a daily digital news operation, publishing across digital, social and print channels and extending its media activity through newsletters and special events. Its online operation began in 1994 as the first internet news publication in Africa, initially distributing newspaper stories by email before developing into a searchable archive and then a distinct daily newsroom. The business operates from Johannesburg, with Japhet Ncube serving as editor-in-chief.

Editorial independence, transparency and accountability are central to its operating standards. Commercial relationships, including advertising and partnership activity, are clearly marked, and the company is a member of the South African Press Council. Media Development Investment Fund acquired a majority stake in 2017, while management and staff retained equity interests through a Black Economic Empowerment transaction and a staff shareholding. In 2024, the fund sold its majority shareholding to Hoosain Karjieker and director Thembisa Fakude, ending a 22-year association. Karjieker was appointed chairperson, and Fakude remains a director.