The OH Frewin Museum for Printing and Community Press is the first of its kind in the world which encapsulates the evolution of printing as well as the inner-workings of community press and news rooms where journalists themselves capture history every day in all of it’s harrowing and life-changing glory.

Ms Lombard highlighted how these newsrooms were the birthplace of world-renowned journalists like Joao Silva from the Bang Bang Club who penned his first article for the Alberton Record and local legend Buks Viljoen, a Nat Nakasa award winner from the Middelburg Observer.

She further pointed out that the museum is even further unique through its location at OH Frewin Printers and Publishers.

She referred to a thesis written by Professor Johann de Jager, where he described Oscar Henry Frewin as the “Father of Community Press” and pointed out that today’s historical event would not have been possible without Dries Venter (Senior Director of OH Frewin) and Tobie van den Bergh (Editor of the Middelburg Observer).

“The OH Frewin Museum for the Printing and Community Press boasts examples and machines from the printing industry, photographic darkroom equipment donated by Julie van Rensburg and these include her Pentax camera, which was used today when the guests arrived.

“The walls of the museum showcases several exposés and in-depth stories, hard-hitting front pages published by community newspapers across South Africa.

“Academics and industry leaders have described these publications as the best source of news for communities and the most effective platform where communities’ voices can be heard as they excel in providing detail in local and relevant news.

“The museum also boasts a special section on Covid-19. The community newspaper journalist has been described by FCJ competition judges as mastering the challenge of reporting on a global pandemic with their natural talent for human interest storytelling. On these walls you will note the community journalist’s ability to skilfully interweave crucial and critical information whilst maintaining storytelling style.

“It is in the newsroom of the community newspaper where young journalists, or as I wish to call them the cubs, are taught to expose wrongdoing, highlight injustices, be a voice to the poor and destitute, remind society of social ills and also develop the skill to tell the story of Aunty Sally and Uncle Joe’s diamond anniversary.

“It is in these newsrooms where journalists become the watchdog, adopt the Press Code as their Bible and familiarise themselves with long days and late nights.

“Most importantly it is in these same newsrooms where their passion for journalism is nurtured and they ultimately become valuable members of the fourth estate.

“Today’s opening of the museum is an acknowledgement of the work done by the community press.

“Finally the community newspaper journalist, editor and photographer have a place to showcase the history of our preferred medium.” Ms Lombard concluded.