Reader's Digest celebrates 60 years in SA

The first edition of the pocket-sized publication appeared in February 1948 and is now published in 50 editions and in 21 languages around the world. The magazine was the brainchild of an infantry sergeant who was wounded in the First World War. While recuperating, the soldier poured over magazines and books and came up with the idea to produce a magazine compiled of the best journalism from other publications in a condensed form.

Today Reader's Digest continues to base itself on the core founding values of the brand; seeking to expand the mind and enrich the spirit and the body. Regular sections include Medical Musts, Laughter, the Best Medicine, Profiles, Polls, Window on the World, Life's like That and many others.

In the June edition, an article entitled “Magic Moments” asks South Africans to name their favourite moment in SA history. Voting in the 1994 elections came out tops, followed closely by Nelson Mandela's release from prison.

In a second article, South African celebrities were asked about the role the magazine played in their lives. Author Pamela Jooste used the magazine to increase her word power, cartoonist Zapiro remembers being drawn to the humour pages and can still remember some of the anecdotes from Life's Like That and columnist Tom Eaton spent hours at his grandparents home pouring over the true-life dramas.

Media24 recently terminated its licence agreement with the pocket-sized publication.