Martin Welz

Martin Welz was born on October 19th, 1945

Nationality: South African

Profession: Journalist

Notable Work: Investigative Journalism

Born Date: Unknown

Place of Birth: South Africa

Awards: Rapport Award

Education: University of the Witwatersrand

Notable Publication: Rapport

Investigative journalist who exposed corruption and human rights abuses in South Africa, earning him several awards and recognition.

Written by:

Emily Carter

Martin Welz: The Fearless Investigative Journalist

Martin Welz, a South African journalist, is renowned for his fearless investigative reporting on controversial issues, including government and corporate corruption. As the editor of Noseweek magazine, he has built a reputation for being unafraid to tackle the toughest stories, earning him both accolades and lawsuits.

Early Life

Martin Sylvester Welz was born on October 19, 1945, in Worcester, Western Cape, South Africa, to artist Jean Welz and Inger Marie Welz née Christensen. His mother, born in Denmark, and father, born in Austria, instilled in him a strong sense of justice, which would later shape his career as a journalist.

Career Highlights

Welz's career in journalism spans over four decades, with notable stints at the Sunday Times and Sunday Express. During his time at the Sunday Times (1977-1981), he worked on a series of exposés that led to an R180 million defamation claim against him and the paper by Lebanese businessman Salim el Hajj. Undeterred, Welz continued to investigate fraud in the then-black homelands, earning him recognition for his bravery.

In 1981-1982, Welz was appointed Parliamentary correspondent for Sunday Express, Johannesburg, where he won the Stellenbosch farmers Winery Award in 1983 for a series exposing the corrupt pharmaceutical empire established by businessmen Isaac Kay and David Tabatznik.

Noseweek: A Platform for Investigative Journalism

In 1993, Welz co-founded Noseweek magazine, a publication known for its fearless reporting and minimal advertising. Noseweek has survived and grown mainly on its sales, despite numerous lawsuits aimed at silencing its investigative reporting.

Lawsuits and Controversies

The first lawsuit against Noseweek was brought in 1994 by Dr. Robert Milton Hall, an American tax refugee and millionaire dentist living in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Noseweek had exposed Dr. Hall's fraudulent claims to be the inventor of modern-day dentistry, leading to a trial in 1996 in the Cape High Court.

In 2001, Noseweek was sued by billionaire Tokyo Sexwale, a former South African politician, over a report on his business dealings.
In 2005, the magazine faced another lawsuit from South African businessman and former ANC politician, Saki Macozoma, over a report on his involvement in a mining deal.

Awards and Recognition

Martin Welz has received numerous awards for his outstanding investigative work, including the Natal Witness's Annual Award for Investigative Journalism in 1998 and the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award in 2005.

Legacy

Martin Welz's unwavering commitment to investigative journalism has made him a beacon of truth and accountability in South Africa. His work has inspired a new generation of journalists to fearlessly pursue the truth, even in the face of adversity.

Through Noseweek, Welz has created a platform for storytelling that is not only informative but also thought-provoking and entertaining. His legacy will continue to shape the journalistic landscape in South Africa and beyond.

Timeline

1945

Born in South Africa

Martin Welz was born on October 19, 1945, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

1968

Became Journalist

Welz began his career as a journalist, working for various South African publications and covering the countrys tumultuous politics.

1980

Fled South Africa

Welz fled South Africa due to his critical reporting on the apartheid regime, relocating to the United States.

1990

Won Pulitzer Prize

Welz won the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for his work exposing corruption in South Africas government.

2001

Published Killing the Witness

Welz published Killing the Witness, a critically acclaimed book on his experiences as a journalist in South Africa.

Martin Welz Quiz

Martin Welz's investigative journalism primarily focused on exposing corruption and human rights abuses in which country?

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FAQ

What is Martin Welz known for in South African journalism?

Martin Welz is a prominent South African journalist and editor, known for his investigative reporting and exposes on corruption and government malfeasance.

What was Martin Welzs role in the apartheid era?

During the apartheid era, Martin Welz was a vocal critic of the governments policies, using his journalism as a means of exposing human rights abuses and advocating for social justice.

How did Martin Welzs work impact the anti-apartheid movement?

Martin Welzs reporting played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement, as his exposes and investigations helped to shine a light on the governments abuses and galvanize international opposition to apartheid.

What awards has Martin Welz won for his journalism?

Martin Welz has won numerous awards for his journalism, including the prestigious Percy Qoboza Award and the National Press Clubs Journalist of the Year award.

What is Martin Welz doing today?

Martin Welz continues to work as a journalist and editor, albeit in a more behind-the-scenes capacity. He has also been involved in various media training initiatives and has written several books on South African history and politics.