Tribute Magazine rises from the ashes

In her introductory remarks, Molewa said: "I am honoured to be part of the rebirth of such a great publication. What this rebirth means is that a big void of two and a half years has been filled. I personally felt deprived of my regular dose of features, profiles, trends, developments and cutting-edge journalism that Tribute carried in its pages."

Molewa hailed Tribute for its spirit of "developmental journalism", which she said consists of probing, exploring, challenging and promoting society's nation-building in the era of gossips and half-truths.

Excellence

Professor of physics and head of business studies at Henley College, Sipho Seepe, told guests that Tribute is about excellence - a theme that has always been important to scholars, leaders and management - not only today but throughout the struggle.

"We must strive to rid Africa of mediocrity and support those platforms that promote our continent's role models," he said.
Tribute was first published in 1987 at the time of the emergence of the African middle-class and had a circulation of 15 000. Prior to its founding there was no lifestyle magazine serving this market in this segment. The title has since been bought out of the liquidation of Nothemba Media, by Grand Bridge Trading (Pty) Ltd, operating as Tribute Communications and led by chartered accountant Stefaan Sithole and publishing entrepreneur Tlhopheho Modise. The project is being financed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Acclaimed writers such as Jo Mdhlela, Alan Boesak, Sibongile Mkhabela, Khaba Mkhize, to name only a few and photographers Peter Magubane and Nigeria's Adeyemi Akande, have contributed to the debut edition for September 2006, which features interesting topics ranging from lifestyle to entertainment, business, technology and freedom of the struggle stories.

Fortune

Modise told Bizcommunity.com that Tribute will exclusively share content with US magazine Fortune and source some articles from African News Dimensions (AND) to inform its readers about global issues, something many South Africans tend to overlook.

Newly-appointed managing-editor Thami Masemola will collaborate with a special guest editor for every issue starting off with Prof Seepe in the position for the October issue themed "Heritage".

Papama Mtwisha is the lifestyle editor and Mpho Mnguni is the research and business development manager. Vanessa Stols will head the advertising sales department, bringing along her 12 years' experience in the publishing industry. Stols has contributed to many titles in both the consumer and business-to-business markets.

The new Tribute will have a circulation of 25 000 and continue as a celebratory monthly magazine highlighting the achievements of African women and men.