Grocott’s Mail prints its final edition

The decision to do away with the print edition of Grocott’s Mail, SA’s oldest independent newspaper, after 150 years is sad but understandable, says the SA National Editors’ Forum.

The Makhanda-based newspaper has been unable to weather the financial storm of Covid-19, resulting in the move to make it an online-only publication.

Sanef chair Sbu Ngalwa said: “It’s a sad day to see Grocott’s Mail cease its print publishing operations, but it is understandable given the revenue challenges print publications face, which have been worsened by Covid-19.

“However, it’s encouraging that Grocott’s Mail will still exist in digital format.

“That means the community of Makhanda and beyond will continue to receive the good journalism that has been synonymous with the 150-year-old publication.”

Former Grocott’s Mail journalist Mziwoxolo Budaza said the print edition was a big part of Makhanda and the town would be poorer without it.

Budaza started as a young journalist at the newspaper and received a good grounding.  He now works for a media house in Cape Town.

“I  understand they are continuing with  Grocott’s Mail online but things will never be the same,” he said.

“Remember, there are many aspiring reporters from Makhanda and from outside the town.

"Grocott’s Mail assisted them a lot with practical training. I am not sure how they are going to do it in terms of training, but I am sure the impact is not going to be the same.”

Grocott’s Mail editor Sue Maclennan referred questions to Rhodes University journalism school head Anthea Garman.

“Rhodes University owns Grocott’s Mail. It was bought by the university on the basis it would serve as a teaching platform for students in the school of journalism and media studies under the David Rabkin project for experiential journalism,” Maclennan said.

“The appropriate person to comment on its closure and how the school will be taking community journalism forward is the head of school.”

Garman was out of town on Monday and could not be reached for comment.

Makana councillor Ramie Xonxa said it was a bit worrying for Makhanda residents to lose the print publication.

“It’s a pity because Grocott’s Mail has been a very useful communication tool which ensured that all citizens across Makana were kept informed about developments in their surroundings. Not everyone is able to access it online,” Xonxa said.

Grocott’s Mail was founded by Thomas Henry Grocott.

In 2003, Rhodes University was approached and asked to consider the idea of purchasing the newspaper.

Jeff Grocott was determined that ownership should remain in Makhanda and that the paper should remain independent despite offers from national media houses.

Garman and her predecessor at Rhodes, Professor Guy Berger, saw the potential of Grocott’s Mail to strengthen and develop the education and training of journalism students in new and exciting ways, while the newspaper could continue to serve the local community.