David Wightman - Mandela: A retired media man"™s perspective.

Tue, Jul 26th 2016 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

David Wightman - Mandela

Club members please log in for more information.

David Wightman has been editor of all the mainstream newspapers in Durban - the Daily News, the Sunday Tribune, Post, Daily News (Saturday) Sunrise) and the Mercury, eventually becoming overall editorial director of Independent Newspapers in KwaZulu Natal. He had previously worked on the Diamond Fields Advertiser (in Kimberley), the Star (in Johannesburg), been editor of the Cape Herald (in Cape Town), and worked as a sub-editor on the home desk of The Times, London.

From a newspaper perspective he lived in stirring times, the growing clampdowns of the Press by the Nationalist Government, the harsh difficulties of working in an apartheid society, the celebration of Nelson Mandela being freed and becoming President and the current complexities of South Africa under President Zuma. (As serious as all this sounds, he says his views are somewhat light-hearted!).

After retiring from newspapers, he started a series of local glossy magazines which were later bought by South Africa’s largest publishing company Media 24 and he continues today as editor of the quarterly business publication, Business in Durban. He is married (to Charmian for more than 40 years) with two children Katherine, living in London, and Richard, living in Grand Baie, Mauritius.

Vote of Thanks - Rotarian Virend Soni

David, you gave us an account so beautifully about your family moving to Durban South Africa.Life there in the days of apartheid when there was separation of races. Mr Nelson Mandela sent to jail for his speeches against apartheid for 27 years to Robben Island . Any one could be put into jail for 90 to 180 days without any reasons .After Mr Mandela was released from jail and was elected first black President of SA which brought freedom of press. He was a very gentle person with fantastic memory and good manners. He visited Bedford to install bust of Arch Bishop Huddleston Now Mr Zumah is president and country is going through times with uncertain future . SA has free press and is rich in Diamond, Gold etc.

David thank you for inviting us to visit SA. David was thanked profusely in normal manner of our club and a toast to Rotary club Durban was given. Question/Answer session was very interesting.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Latest News

Growing Rotary

New Members and New Forms of Membership

Charitable Donations

Bedford Castle Rotary Club put a great deal of effort into raising money for good causes. Over the past few years we have made charitable donations to the following:-

Kimbolton Country Fayre & Classic Car Show - Rotary Club of Bedford Castle will be supporting this event in 2024

The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle are working together with students and staff from Bedford Academy to raise funds for much needed equipment.

The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle has over many years sponsored many young people to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Courses

Sailability programme

Members of the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle volunteers attend the Bedford Food Bank each week to assist in sorting the food donations ready for delivery

Every year the Rotary Club provides opportunities for adults and young people to build confidence and self-esteem by taking part in adventurous outdoor activities at the Calvert Trust's facility in the Lake District

The events and activities that Club Members are supporting leading up to Christmas 2023

BookTastic, Bedford’s Children’s Book Festival, brings the UK’s leading writers and illustrators to Bedford, inspiring children and encouraging them to engage with books and reading in an exciting and accessible way.

The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle providing support to a local Community Garden Project

David Wightman - Mandela: A retired media man"™s perspective.

Tue, Jul 26th 2016 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm