Ramaphosa to honour veteran SA journalist

OWN CORRESPONDENT

This man is journalist and author Benjamin Pogrund, now 85, who has been living in Israel for decades.

For some, Pogrund’s recognition in getting the Order of Ikhamanga – recognising South African citizens who have excelled in the creative fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sport – has been a long time coming.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for a truly legendary South African journalist,” said the South African Jewish Board of Deputies’ head of communications, Charisse Zeifert.

“During the dark years of apartheid, he was at the forefront of exposing the great injustices to which black South Africans were subjected. His special friendship with (Pan Africanist Congress founder) Robert Sobukwe and his literary contribution to Sobukwe’s life is part of our history.”

Pogrund covered the truth behind apartheid from the late 1950s to 1985 at the now-defunct Rand Daily Mail. He brought the words of black leaders such as Sobukwe and ANC struggle stalwart and former president Nelson Mandela – both close friends of his – to white readers’ consciousness.

Pogrund has spent many years working at creating dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, Christians and Jews, and Jews and Jews.

Pogrund said he received an email from the presidency two weeks ago, informing him of his national order. “South Africa is so much in my soul that I especially treasure this honour from the highest level of government,” he said.

Pogrund chose not to divulge for what he was receiving his award, although it was explained in the initial citation he received. All will be revealed at the investiture ceremony.

“Although I had little choice but to leave South Africa many years ago, I have closely followed events and have given innumerable lectures and TV and radio commentaries, and have written articles and books. My newest book, due to be published later this year, is about South Africa.

“I visit as much as I can. I care deeply about the people – happy that they are free, sad and angry that the dreams and hopes of so many for a better life are still unfulfilled,” said Pogrund.

The executive director of the South Africa Israel Forum, Benji Shulman, said: “This man wrote down a piece of history about pan-Africanism and its leader, Robert Sobukwe, that people would have been ignorant about, if not for him. And now it is more relevant than ever.

“He is also an extremely powerful voice of the left, and is able to really stand by what is right and the truth in both Israel and South Africa.”