Ilanga lase Natal, founded by John and Nokutela Dube in 1903, is the last survivor of the black South African newspapers established at the turn of the 20th century. Bongani Ngqulunga’s selection of stellar contributors explore Ilanga’s longevity and examine the history of this groundbreaking newspaper.
The book traces the paper’s role in advancing black modernism and literary innovation amidst colonial oppression and highlights the Dubes’ commitment to education and political activism across turbulent and pivotal periods in South Africa’s history.
Ulibambe Lingashoni: A History of Ilanga lase Natal Newspaper is an essential read for anyone interested in the power and importance of the press.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bongani Ngqulunga is an Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg. He is also the director of the African Biographies Research and Writing Project at the University of Johannesburg. From 2019 to 2023, he served as the Director of the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study, also based at the University of Johannesburg. A biographer, he is the author of the multi-award-winning book The Man Who Founded the ANC: A Biography of Pixley ka Isaka Seme (Penguin Random House, 2017). Together with David Boucher, he is the editor of Reappraising the Life and Legacy of Jan C. Smuts (UJ Press, 2024).
'Ulibambe Lingashoni: A History of Ilanga Lase Natal Newspaper' is published by Jacana Media. Buy the book here.