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Check FAQAbout Tony
Tony Weaver is one of Africa's most widely published photo-journalists, and has an extensive radio and television background as well. In the past 30+ years, he has worked for most of the major South African newspapers, including a two year stint as a Bureau Chief covering the guerrilla wars in Namibia and Angola.
He was most recently a columnist ("Man Friday") for the Cape Times, and was also the newspaper's News Editor, and later Opinion Editor, leaving the paper at the end of 2014.
He was a freelancer from 1988 to 2000, working as southern Africa correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's National Television News, and as a stringer for the BBC's Africa Service, Irish Radio (RTE) and Radio New Zealand. He has spent many years travelling extensively in Africa, covering hard news, environmental issues, social justice and development, and writing travel features from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
He has a fully equipped, expedition-ready Land Rover for extended bush assignments, and works closely with his wife, documentary film maker and current affairs producer, Liz Fish, who has a full service television company, with Canon XF300 High Definition camera, full sound and light gear, and Avid 8 edit suite. He has won numerous awards for his photography and writing.
For examples of his work (and news stories about him) Google "Tony Weaver Cape Times" or simply, "Tony Weaver".
Afrikaans
English
Swahili
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Tony Heard: a journalist and one of the bravest men I have known
Tony Heard, former editor of the Cape Times, is remembered as a brave and principled journalist who played a significant role in anti-apartheid reporting in South Africa. His career highlights include a groundbreaking interview with ANC leader Oliver Tambo during the apartheid state of emergency and his relentless pursuit of truth in journalism. Despite being fired by South African Associated Newspapers for his bold editorial choices, Heard's legacy continues to influence the field. He later served as a media consultant and adviser in various government departments, witnessing the country's transition from apartheid to the Mandela presidency and the onset of State Capture. Heard's recent passing is mourned by many who remember him as a fierce advocate for non-racialism, media freedom, and social justice.
Antiracism in Social-Emotional Learning: Why It’s Not Enough to Talk the Talk
The article discusses the inadequacy of social-emotional learning (SEL) slogans like mindfulness, resilience, and grit in the face of systemic racism experienced by Black students in the United States. It critiques the education system's reliance on these concepts without addressing the underlying issues of systemic racism and the need for antiracist action. The author emphasizes that true social-emotional wellness is incompatible with racism and calls for schools to use SEL as a tool for social justice and racial equity.
Man Friday: Morality and conservation – it’s a conundrum, isn’t it?
The article discusses the moral dilemma faced by animal rights activists when hunting is used as a tool for conservation to manage ecosystems where one species becomes dominant or when financial constraints limit conservation efforts. It argues that moral concerns should be secondary to scientific evidence supporting sustainable hunting practices. The author cites examples of large-scale culling of invasive species to protect native ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of hunting for providing revenue and deterring poaching in wildlife management.
A broken gate motor delivers a few mournful electronic beeps – and a lesson in deep ecology
A malfunctioning gate motor and a gas cylinder incident led to unexpected lessons in deep ecology from technicians. The author reflects on their family's lifestyle and its impact on the environment, considering both their eco-friendly practices and the consumer goods they use that rely on fossil fuels and potentially harmful mining practices.
Africa’s greatest game park under imminent threat
Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest wilderness areas and a former sanctuary for elephants, faces existential threats due to decisions by President John Magufuli. The reserve is to be divided, with a portion becoming the Nyerere National Park and the remainder a hunting zone. This follows the approval of an open-cast uranium mine, oil and gas exploration concessions, and the damming of Stiegler's Gorge, which will disrupt the ecological integrity of the area. The dam's construction has led to deforestation and the closure of the Azura Selous Lodge. The Rufiji Delta's mangrove forests and the balance of fresh and saline water, crucial for marine life, are also at risk. Magufuli's claim that only 3% of the Selous is affected is misleading, as this small percentage represents the reserve's core.
Making sense of national populism in South Africa
The article explores the rise of national populism in South Africa and globally, arguing that traditional left/right political distinctions are insufficient to understand this phenomenon. It discusses how populists, regardless of their orientation, aim to subvert the current liberal democratic model by leveraging identity politics. The piece highlights the role of social groups in shaping national identity and critiques the liberal emphasis on individualism. It also examines the implications of identity-based politics for both South African and European contexts, noting the transnational organization of these movements and their potential to transform national aspirations.
Trump, Africa and Shitholes
The article reflects on the natural beauty and historical significance of various African locations, contrasting them with derogatory remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump. It highlights the rich wildlife, cultural heritage, and the dedication of conservationists in these regions, while also pointing out the hunting activities of Trump's sons. The author shares personal travel experiences across Africa, emphasizing the continent's grandeur and criticizing Trump's ignorance and disrespect.
An open letter to Comrade Trevor Manuel
Veteran South African journalist Tony Weaver writes an open letter to Trevor Manuel, South African Minister in the Presidency, expressing disappointment over Manuel's support for the Protection of State Information Bill. Weaver recounts the struggle against apartheid, the role of the media, and the hope that came with liberation, contrasting these memories with the passage of a bill he views as a betrayal of the principles they fought for. He questions when Manuel and others forgot the struggle for freedom and criticizes the African National Congress for its role in the bill's passage.
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