Online research group Sabinet has announced the expansion of a digitized collection of almost 50 000 rare, historical, and out-of-copyright magazines for South African and sub-Saharan African readers.

This initiative was developed by Sabinet in partnership with global research database group Coherent Digital and the magazines were gathered with the help of library partners and were meticulously digitized by the Sabinet team.

Sabinet has stressed the broad cultural and historical value of the magazines with the iconic Drum magazine situated at the heart of this compilation.

“Once regarded as the most widely read magazine in Africa, Drum reflected the heartbeat of African society at the time. The collection currently encompasses 277 issues of the famous magazine spanning 1955-1973 and will soon contain earlier issues (1951-1954). Drum journalists influenced political outcomes and are credited with changing the way South Africans of African descent were represented in society,” said Sabinet head of product Sanet Vos.

Other magazines in this collection include The Township Housewife, Grace Magazine, Hi-Note! and Contrast.

“These widely popular publications brimmed with investigative journalism, evocative photography, compelling fiction, reviews, biographies, fashion insights, lifestyle trends, advertisements, and more. Many of them were syndicated across the continent, their impact reaching most African English-speaking communities and offering insights into societies across Africa,” said Vos.

She added that the collection presented a ripe opportunity for students and researchers to seamlessly explore the narratives featured in the magazines through seminal historical milestones such as the Defiance Campaign coupled with profiles of prominent figures such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Steve Biko.

Digital platform Africa Commons will also house additional collections with South African magazines, Southern African films and documentaries, and history and culture encompassing the combination product.

“The mission is to preserve African content and simplify access for African scholars seeking to reconnect with their heritage within local and international collections. Digitising these resources not only grants access but also amplifies the global voice of storytellers,” said Vos.

For more information, please contact Sabinet directly at info@sabinet.co.za