Join Marianne Thamm, Ferial Haffajee, Caryn Dolley and Redi Tlhabi for the Daily Maverick-UCT Summer School 2026 lecture series. 
This year, Daily Maverick presents a curated series of lectures aligned with the core pillars of our independent journalism, exploring the issues shaping South Africa and the world. From local elections and gun control to media ethics, disinformation and political satire, these sessions promise to inform, provoke and entertain.
On the bill from Daily Maverick in 2026 are Ferial Haffajee, Caryn Dolley, Marianne Thamm and Redi Tlhabi.
The Daily Maverick Lecture Series
Metro Matters: Local Reporting and the 2026 Elections
Ferial Haffajee: Tuesday, 20 January, 1pm
Award-winning journalist, editor and author Ferial Haffajee reflects on the significance of Johannesburg and South Africa’s metros as the country heads into the 2026 local elections. She explores the challenges and opportunities of local reporting, and how the state of our cities mirrors the state of our nation.
Straight Out of Pretoria: The News Freshly Squeezed
Marianne Thamm: Monday, 26 January, 7.30pm
Pretoria-born investigative journalist and satirist Marianne Thamm returns to the stage with her new piece of “performance journalism”. Expect sharp wit, absurd headlines and stories fresh off the South African newswire – all shaken, squeezed and served with laughter on the edge of chaos.
Tracking the Triggers: Inside South Africa’s Firearm Controversies
Caryn Dolley: Tuesday, 27 January, 5pm
As public trust in policing wanes, Caryn Dolley investigates South Africa’s firearm landscape – from private security’s growing role to corruption, criminal infiltration and the politics of gun control. A reception will follow the lecture at 6pm.
Narrative Capture: How Disinformation Builds the Architecture of Oppression
Redi Tlhabi: Friday, 30 January, 5pm
Journalist and broadcaster Redi Tlhabi unpacks how information wars and echo chambers distort truth and deepen division. Using recent case studies, she challenges audiences to reclaim their curiosity, and confront the emotional, political and moral toll of disinformation.
These sessions, led by some of South Africa’s most influential voices, invite you to engage deeply with the forces shaping our society through the lens of fearless, independent journalism.
To secure your tickets and explore the full Summer School programme, click here.
Maverick Insiders qualify for a 10% discount on all Summer School bookings.
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About Daily Maverick
Founded in 2009, Daily Maverick is an independent national news and investigative journalism publisher. Daily Maverick covers pressing issues across politics, business and the environment, providing in-depth reporting and insightful commentary on the topics affecting the lives of South Africans.
Daily Maverick is one of the last remaining free-to-read news sites in South Africa and one of the country’s largest publishers. Available online and in a weekly print edition, DM168.
Its voluntary community programme is designed to keep journalism free for all, and it has a community of civic-minded readers who participate actively through contributions to ensure this access continues for all.
Media enquiries:
Ingrid Sinclair
Operations Manager: Growth Division, Daily Maverick
Email: ingrid@daillymaverick.co.za
Phone: +27 (0)82 045 8242