Defend Truth

Daily Maverick staff share their favourite stories of all time

Pieter-Louis Myburgh’s reporting on the Digital Vibes scandal. His series demonstrated how institutionalised corruption is in South Africa. Even during a pandemic, which resulted in people losing their loved ones and livelihoods, some government officials saw it as an opportunity to steal public funds. Myburgh’s reporting had an impact as it led to the resignation of former health minister Zweli Mkhize. Law enforcement authorities are also trying to claw back any stolen funds, thanks to Myburgh’s dogged commitment to telling the Digital Vibes story.

- Ray Mahlaka

Pauli van Wyk’s VBS/EFF investigations. It is top-notch investigative journalism. - Pieter-Louis Myburgh

Anything Poplak writes. I enjoy having to consult a dictionary every now and then and being surprised how concise a chosen word is.

- Ethan van Diemen

A composite image of members of the Khulumani support group

This one by Michelle Banda. It was sad and beautiful at the same time. It was one of those stories that make you realise that for many people, the scars of apartheid have not healed. These people need closure, and as a country we need closure to deal with our ugly and hurtful past. - Suné Payne

Too many to choose from again... But I remember this story by Ranjeni Munusamy: “A new South African syndrome – Scandal Fatigue.” It was brilliantly written and so achingly true – still resonates today.

More recently, “The artists, the forgers and the murky market of fake art in South Africa” by Rebecca Davis also was such a brilliant piece of writing.

- Emilie Gambade

Gwede Mantashe is the disciplinarian South Africa needs

It has to be the letter by Maverick Life’s Malibongwe Tyilo to the "uncle in the energy business", Gwede Mantashe. Mali has a creative way with words that makes for the best satire, and in this instance, Mantashe was a deserving victim. - Alet Law

There's at least one great contender every week, but I think “How does it feel, Mr President?” is my all-time favourite. I’ll never forget reading it. The passion of the editorial team who wrote it jumped off the page.
- Fran Beighton

Just about any of Malibongwe Tyilo's “Satirically Speaking” pieces because they are brilliant and provide some light in the hard, gritty news tunnels I often get lost in.
- Caryn Dolley

I am going to mention stories that are my favourite since joining DM. Carien du Plessis wrote an outstanding colour piece about the Progressive Business Forum gala dinner, which the ANC held in July, titled “ANC cash crunch makes for a damp squib of fundraiser gala dinner”.

In our Opinionista section, Eddy Maloka’s analysis (“Lessons for ANC from colonies – go to the ant thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise”) is a brilliant piece.

Also, Pauli van Wyk’s story on how the Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation operates an off-book enterprise manufacturing and selling illicit tobacco.

- Queenin Masuabi

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