Fighting the �criminal� stigma in mapantsula

Chillie Pantsula and his crew PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Chillie Pantsula and his crew PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

Mapantsula used to be slick and well-dressed dangerous young men. The Sophiatown’s most feared American Gang for instance wore expensive American clothes - elegant cardigans, brown and white Florsheim shoes and blue trousers that used to be called Bogarts.

Peter Magubane’s iconic picture of the American Gang seating pretty in a convertible is big reference point of this era. But that is all history now.

A new breed of mapantsula, born in the streets of Mogoditshane, looks the same from the elegant American Gang but he is a totally different breed from the yesteryear feared pantsulas of Sophiatown.

Editor's Comment
Prosecutors deserve better

These legal professionals, who are entrusted with upholding the rule of law, face numerous challenges that compromise their ability to effectively carry out their duties.Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story on the lamentations of the officers of court.The prosecutors have raised a number of concerns, calling for urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. Their...

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