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Hierdie artikel ondersoek aan die hand van voorblaaie en verwante artikels die wyse waarop Huisgenoot in die 1980's en 1990's Diana, prinses van Wallis, asook TV- en rolprentsterre gebruik het om voorheen ongekende sirkulasiesyfers te handhaaf, maar later al hoe meer misdaadstories (in kombinasie met stories oor Afrikaanse sangers) geplaas het. Teen 2002, toe Esmaré Weideman redakteur geword het, was daar reeds 'n afname in sirkulasie en het navorsing gewys dat lesers nie meer so geneë was met die resep wat Niel Hammann so suksesvol begin het nie. Tog is grootliks daarmee voortgegaan en publiseer Huisgenoot 'n besonder eksplisiete foto van 'n slagoffer van terrorisme in die buiteland. Na talle lesersbesware hieroor onderneem Huisgenoot om dít nie weer te doen sonder dat lesers op die voorblad gewaarsku word nie. In 2012 verskyn misdaadstories gereeld op Huisgenoot se voorblad as 'n vorm van vermaak. In een geval word ook die slagoffers se foto prominent gebruik en word die verkragting van 'n vrou in detail beskryf. Hiermee is Hammann se benadering van sensasie-met-sofistikasie finaal vervang. Dit dui op 'n wesenlike koerswysiging in wat aanvaarbaar was of nie binne die Afrikaanse gesinstydskrif-mark. This article investigates the manner in which Huisgenoot, the best-selling Afrikaans magazine, used Diana, Princess of Wales, and other celebrities in the 1980s and 1990s to sustain previously unheard of circulation numbers, but later resorted more and more to crime stories (in combination with stories about local minor celebrities). This is done by describing and analysing the covers (or front pages) of the magazine and the related stories. In order to understand the importance of this front page agenda setting, the changes to Huisgenoot's front pages since 1916 are reviewed briefly with reference to the changing cultural-political context in which the magazine was published. Readers' changing needs and tastes necessitated changes to the content, but these were mostly resisted until 1978 when first Tobie Boshoff and then Niel Hammann transformed the magazine into a populist publication that focused on TV and cinema stars plus a lively mixture of easy-reading content. During the 1980s and 1990s Huisgenoot's circulation climbed (from record highs of 206 000 in 1978) to a steady 500 000 per week. This achievement was made possible to some extent by the popularity of Diana, Princess of Wales, who became Huisgenoot's top-selling front-page model. It is pointed out though that photographs of the princess were used rather sparingly on the cover during the 1980s and 1990s. However, teasers drawing attention to stories and pictures of the princess were much more frequent. After Diana's death Huisgenoot continued with much the same agenda but experienced falling circulation figures. When Esmaré Weideman was appointed as editor in 2002 research showed that readers were tiring of the weekly menu of tabloid stories. Some more serious and positive stories were introduced but the original Hammann recipe was kept mostly intact. The popularity of Afrikaans singers experienced an upsurge in these years and they became regular front-page models. In 2007 Huisgenoot published a particularly graphic photo of the victim of a foreign terrorism incident, drawing heavy criticism from colleagues and readers. Weideman then came to an "agreement" with readers that although the magazine reserves the right to cover shocking events, it would not be done again without a warning on the front cover, thereby allowing parents the option of tearing out the potentially upsetting pages should they wish to do so. Although crime related human interest stories were used even in the conservative 1950s, this became an important circulation builder by 2012. After the introduction of regular celebrity news in 1978, this is identified as the next important change to Huisgenoot's front-page (cover) agenda. Using data gathered in her master's degree research by one of the co-authors (Alexa Swart), the use of crime stories is described and analysed. It was found that 137 crime stories were published in 2007, of which 78% were local. In all, crime was used 63 times on the front cover, mostly as teasers. The crime stories were usually combined with a photo of a local celebrity, except on one occasion when a photo of the crime victims featured on the cover. The three topics covered most on the cover were identified and are described and analysed in greater detail. These stories are about the abduction of a South African woman and her partner in Somalia, the rape and torture of a woman by her partner, the so-called "Modimolle monster", and the so-called Griekwastad murders, involving a teenage boy. Each of these topics featured on five front covers. The main cover teaser of the 12 July 2012 issue of Huisgenoot read: Ek is verkrag in seerower-hok (I was raped in pirate's cage), with a picture of the victim and her partner. In the article, headed Ons hel is verby (Our hell is over), the victim related her story in graphic detail, including how she was raped. No warning was published on the cover. This is indicative of a tabloid-style journalism which has profit as only motive. It also represents a shift in this second phase of Huisgenoot's history. This implied, it is argued, that after the radical change from a conservative magazine which combined more serious, educational content with lighter, entertaining content, to one in which celebrity culture and human interest stories were combined, the sensation-with-sophistication approach espoused by former editor Niel Hammann was finally discarded and crime as a form of brutal entertainment gained an important place on the Huisgenoot news agenda. This change also signalled a marked shift in what was acceptable, or not, in the Afrikaans family magazine market.

Doktor H.F. Verwoerd is waarskynlik die mees omstrede politieke figuur in Suid-Afrika se geskiedenis. Gedurende sy lewe is hy deur sy aanhangers bewonder, maar selfs sy kritici het erkenning aan hom gegee as 'n man van statuur. Vandag word hy meestal as simbool van brutale rasse-oorheersing getipeer. Hierdie artikel gee ten eerste insig in die soms teenstrydige standpunte wat in sy lewe, pas na sy dood en in later jare deur die pers oor Verwoerd uitgespreek is. Hierdie verskynsel word mediateoreties bespreek. Daarna volg 'n oorsig oor standpunte wat in die literatuur oor Verwoerd uitgespreek is, insluitende resente publikasies deur Hermann Giliomee, 'n vooraanstaande historikus. Teen die agtergrond van diverse en soms eensydige menings, word J.J. (Ponti) Venter se artikel oor Verwoerd se denke, wat in 1999 in Koers - Bulletin for Christian Scholarship gepubliseer is, bespreek as voorbeeld van 'n gebalanseerde intellektuele bydrae tot die voortgaande debat. Daar word geargumenteer dat Venter se bydrae belangrik was vanweë die skerp analises oor Verwoerd se denke. Venter se artikel, wat op toesprake gegrond is, verskaf egter te min konteks. Die nodige konteks word wel in ander publikasies en die pers gevind. Daar word aangevoer dat geen oordeel oor enige belangrike historiese figuur finaal is nie, veral nie indien net die pers geraadpleeg word nie. Soos met betrekking tot Verwoerd moet kontemporêre persdekking altyd aangevul word met deeglike navorsing oor die onderwerp. In die besonder is sober analises deur openbare intellektuele soos Venter nodig en dit moet ingesluit word in die beoordeling van Verwoerd. Doctor H.F. Verwoerd is possibly the most controversial political figure in South African history. In life he was revered by his followers, but even critics acknowledged his stature. Today he is mostly depicted as a brutal symbol of racial suppression. This article first gives insight into various, contradictory views expressed in the press on Verwoerd during his life, immediately after his death and in recent years. This is discussed in view of some media-theoretical perspectives. It is followed by an overview of views expressed on Verwoerd in literature, including recent works by eminent historian Hermann Giliomee. Against this background of diverse and sometimes one-sided views, J.J. (Ponti) Venter's analysis of Verwoerdian thought, as published in a 1999 issue of Koers - Bulletin for Christian Scholarship, is presented as an example of a balanced intellectual contribution to an ongoing debate. It is argued that Venter's contribution was important as it provides incisive criticism of Verwoerd not found elsewhere. Venter's article, which was based on texts of speeches, however lacks some context. This is provided by other publications and press coverage. It is suggested that no assessment of an important historical figure is ever definitive, least so by consulting only the press. As is the case with Verwoerd, contemporaneous press coverage needs to be supplemented by solid research on the subject. In particular the sober analysis of public intellectuals such as J.J. Venter is needed and should be included in assesments of Verwoerd.

Die 104-jaaroue Potchefstroom Herald (die Herald) se verandering in voorbladstyl word hier ondersoek omdat dit tekens toon van sensasionele populisme (wat visueel sterk tipografie en 'n swaar klem op die dramatiese en emosionele insluit). Om die Herald in breër konteks te plaas, word ander toonaangewende gemeenskapskoerante ook ondersoek om vas te stel of genoemde populisme 'n algemene neiging by Suid-Afrikaanse gemeenskapskoerante is. Uit die kwalitatiewe analise van die Herald se voorblaaie blyk dit dat die blad in sy 2010-gedaante besonder was: die voorbladontwerp en agenda het wesenlike ooreenkomste met dié van die sensasionele poniepers getoon, maar die binneblaaie het die styl van 'n konvensionele gemeenskapskoerant gehad. In die lig van dié dubbelslagtige benadering, kan die koerant in sy 2010-gedaante nie voorkomsgewys as 'n volwaardige sensasieponie bestempel word nie. Die impak van koerantvoorblaaie kan egter nie onderskat word nie. Daarom kan die neiging tot al sterker tipografie en die vestiging oor baie jare van 'n emosioneel gelaaide voorbladagenda nie gering geskat word nie. Dit verteenwoordig 'n fundamentele verskuiwing weg van 'n meer besadigde joernalistiek. Hoewel ander gemeenskapskoerante in mindere of meerdere mate populistiese kenmerke toon, is daar tog steeds 'n beduidende aantal gemeenskapskoerante wat 'n geheel en al ander styl as die Herald van 2010 navolg. Daar word hier geargumenteer dat gemeenskapskoerante fyn moet onderskei tussen 'n blatante sensasionalisme en 'n lewendige populisme ten einde hul bestaande lesers nie te verloor nie. Boonop bring dit vrae na vore oor die geloofwaardigheid van sulke koerante. This article examines recent changes made to the front-page of the 104 year old Potchefstroom Herald (the HeraldJ as these represented a significant break from the conservative typography and news agendas of the past. The Herald has seemingly shifted towards a tabloid style or sensational journalism (which includes strong typography and an emphasis on the dramatic and emotional). In order to contextualise the Herald's changes and ascertain whether the said more sensational style has become a general trend amongst South Africa's community newspapers, a number of leading community newspapers are also briefly examined. This is done against the backdrop of the success achieved by daily and Sunday tabloids, for example the Daily Sun and Son. The question is posed whether the once conservative community press is headed in the same direction. A qualitative analysis is made of the size and prominence of headings and photographs, the news agenda and other front-page style elements of the Herald and other community newspapers, such as the populist Vaal Weekly, Vaalweekblad and Western Sun; the semi-populist Polokwane Observer and Northern Review; the more traditional papers with some populist elements, such as the Lowvelder, Tygerburger, Eikestadnuus, Paarl Post and Worcester Standard; and the more traditional Sandton Chronicle and Roodepoort Record. Based on this analysis, it is concluded that the 2010 Herald was quite unique with regard to its tabloid-style, stacked headlines punting stories of crime, accidents and the bizarre. As the sensational populist style of the Herald's front-page was not continued on the inside pages, the newspaper had a dualistic character. The newspaper could, therefore, not be described as a true tabloid. However, it is argued that the Herald made a fundamental shift away from a more sober approach to community journalism. (Subsequently, the Herald has reverted back to a more eclectic approach, which utilises all the recent styles.) While the Herald has gradually shifted to a sensational populism, its circulation figures grew markedly - from just above 7 000 in 2007 to 9 000 in 2010. However, the editor denies that the editorial changes were due to managerial pressure. He also emphasises that the newspaper was sensitive to readers 'preferences. Although the study shows that a number of other community newspapers had become populist to some extent, most newspapers did not follow the Herald's combination of typography and populist news agenda in 2010. It was notable, though, that many of the leading community newspapers incorporated populist elements on their front-pages. It is argued that while commercial and other pressures are real, community newspapers should carefully distinguish between blatant sensationalism on the one hand and lively populism on the other. Should they ignore this distinction, they run the risk of losing their traditional readers. Furthermore, questions could be raised regarding the tabloidisation of the community press, as it could put the newspapers' trustworthiness at risk.

A yawning gap has existed in the South African educational landscape since the effective termination of the Potchefstroom University (PU) for Christian Higher Education (CHE) by the government in 2004. The North-West University, which was formed through the merger of the PU for CHE and the University of North West, has been positioned as a value-driven university, but for all its good intentions and successes, it cannot (and never was intended to) continue the PU for CHE's tradition of Christian higher education. Given the growth of Christian schools in South Africa after 1994, it is clear that pupils from these and other schools have no Reformed option when they choose an institution of higher education. It is therefore suggested in this article that the concept of a new Christian college should find favour amongst Reformed Christians from all denominations, races, ethnic groups and languages in South Africa. The author argues that obstacles simply have to be overcome. A balanced Reformed approach which eschews extreme fundamentalism as well as attempts at undermining the fundamentals of the Christian faith is needed. Therefore, the formation of an inclusive pilot committee to investigate the idea is proposed. Sedert die regering se terminering van die Potchefstroomse Universiteit (PU) vir Christelike Hoër Onderwys (CHO) in 2004, bestaan daar 'n groot gaping in Suid-Afrika se onderwyslandskap. Die Noordwes-Universiteit, wat uit die samesmelting van die PU vir CHO en die Universiteit van Noordwes ontstaan het, is op waardes gegrond, maar ondanks goeie bedoelings en suksesse kan dit nie die PU vir CHO se tradisie van hoër onderwys voortsit nie. Dit was ook nooit die bedoeling nie. Dit is duidelik dat diegene wat uit Christelike en ander skole kom nie meer 'n Gereformeerde alternatief het om van te kies nie. Daarom word hier beklemtoon dat 'n nuwe Christelike kollege byval sal vind onder Gereformeerde Christene uit alle kerkverbande, rasse, etiese groepe en tale in Suid-Afrika. Die outeur argumenteer dat hindernisse doodgewoon oorkom moet word. 'n Gebalanseerde Gereformeerde benadering wat sowel fundamentalisme as 'n afwatering van die basiese boustene van die Christelike geloof vermy, word voorgestel. In die lig hiervan word 'n inklusiewe loodskomitee voorgestel wat die saak verder kan ondersoek.

The British-born newspaperman CV Bate founded the Potchefstroom Herald in 1908. He remained owner for 49 years during which time he established not only the paper but himself as a journalist of some repute. As a news medium Bate’s Potchefstroom Herald covered all the major international and national events, without neglecting the community news of an ever-changing Potchefstroom. He was also a crafty businessman and compassionate member of a community that did not always share his pro-British political views. More important was his strong support for reconciliation between the Afrikaans- and English-speaking South Africans. In support of this ideal, he established an Afrikaans paper, the Westelike Stem. While Bate’s sentiments left its marks on his reporting, his integrity was above reproach and he notably gave due prominence to the victory of the National Party in 1948 and the new prime minister’s visit to Potchefstroom. Subsequent to Bate’s retirement, his papers fell into the hands of Afrikaners who eventually transformed the Potchefstroom Herald into a predominantly Afrikaans publication. But when the Potchefstroom Herald celebrated its centenary, the paper had perhaps become what Bate always intended: a non-ideological paper that tried to serve the whole community of Potchefstroom. The Potchefstroom Herald thus remains a monument to one man’s tenacity and spirit http://dspace.nwu.ac.za/handle/10394/6597