Drum Magazine calls for the release of all political prisoners

Zinzi Mandela on the cover of Drum magazine, in May 1980 Source: https://tonymac04.hubpages.com

Updated: 30 Sep 2019

Drum Magazine calls for the release of all political prisoners — Zinzi Mandela on the cover of Drum magazine, in May 1980 Source: https://tonymac04.hubpages.com

The popular Drum Magazine called on South African Prime Minister B.J. Vorster to follow the example of Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith and to release all political prisoners. The magazine specifically mentioned Nelson Mandela and Bram Fischer. The campaign was successful to a certain extent as Fischer, who was seriously ill with cancer, was released a few weeks before his death on 8 May 1975. Founded in 1951, Drum Magazine was instrumental in the struggle against apartheid. It often exposed ills committed against black people by the apartheid regime during the 1950’s. The magazine has since distanced its self from politics and become more oriented towards market news, entertainment and feature articles.

Search events by date

What happened on your birthday?

How we know this

01SAHO, Drum Magazine, from South African history Online, [online], Available at www.sahistory.org.za [Accessed: 18 January 2013]
02Drum, It’s here! 60 years of DRUM, from Drum Magazine, [online], Available at drum.co.za [Accessed: 18 January 2013]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2013, January 30). Drum Magazine calls for the release of all political prisoners. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0094744

South African History Online (2013) 'Drum Magazine calls for the release of all political prisoners', South African History Online, 30 January. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0094744 (Accessed: 28 August 2026).

South African History Online, Drum Magazine calls for the release of all political prisoners [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0094744, (accessed 28 August 2026).

"Drum Magazine calls for the release of all political prisoners." South African History Online, 30 Jan. 2013, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0094744. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

South African History Online. "Drum Magazine calls for the release of all political prisoners." South African History Online. January 30, 2013. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0094744.