Description
An exceptional opportunity to acquire a near-complete print archive of Mahala, one of the most fearless, brilliant, and short-lived independent print publications of the post-apartheid era. Born out of Andy Davis’s revolutionary cultural website, the print edition of Mahala ran for only four issues in 2010 before vanishing into print history. This listing includes three of those four legendary issues.
Boasting an unparalleled design pedigree, Mahala was art-directed by Hannes Bernard (later of Jungle Jim) with extensive layout and illustrative work by the iconic Peet Pienaar. Eschewing traditional, glossy commercial layouts for a beautifully raw, “un-designed” aesthetic, the magazine delivered critical, authentic reportage, gonzo journalism, and sharp socio-political commentary on the realities of contemporary South African life.
Key Design Feature: Each issue features an ingenious fold-out cover that unfolds into a stunning, large-format poster showcasing a notable South African photographer (including Daniel Naudé and Viviane Sassen).
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Contributors include: Lauren Beukes, Sean O’Toole, Carlos Amato, Hugh Masekela, Chris Saunders, Sarah Lotz, and Peet Pienaar.
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Issues Included: Issue No. 1, Issue No. 3, and Issue No. 4 (Missing only Issue No. 2 to complete the entire historical run).
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Condition: Very Good. The soft covers are clean with sharp edges and bold red text boxes. The internal text blocks are tight, flat, and free of any writing or stamps. Crucially, the fold-out poster covers remain entirely intact and undamaged.
