End of an era for 44-year-old South African icon
City Press is officially closing its doors, with Media24 launching a consultation process for its existing staff.
City Press is one of South Africa’s best-known publications, with a history dating back to 1982. It was founded by Jim Bailey and the South African Associated Newspapers to serve black readers.
The publication was a key anti-apartheid voice and would be acquired by Naspers in 1984. Naspers is South Africa’s most valuable company, and owns Takealot and Media24.
The last few years have been tough for the publication, with falling circulation forcing it to become the only publication in December 2024.
However, News24, which is a sister publication of City Press, has now confirmed that City Press will close its doors.
“We can confirm that we started consultations with the City Press staff this [Friday] morning, with the intention of closing this newsroom,” said Minette Ferreira, CEO of Media24.
“As a digital newsroom, incorporated into News24 after the closure of the print edition in 2024 as part of our transformation into a digitally led business, City Press did not meet our expectations.”
City Press currently has over two dozen employees, and Media24 has stated it will try to limit job losses.
Media24 has been on a significant shift in its newsroom, with Beeld, Rapport, Daily Sun and Volksblad all closing their print editions in 2024.
City Press was housed in News24, while Daily Sun became a digital-only publication.
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