TrueLove magazine reportedly set to close after 50 years

TrueLove magazine is reportedly set to close after more than 50 years in print, bringing renewed attention to the changing face of South Africa’s magazine industry, Joburg Etc reports.

Reports circulating on Wednesday, 23 September, claim that the January 2027 edition will be the publication’s final issue. The news was first widely shared on social media by entertainment reporter @TvblogbyMLU TrueLove has occupied a distinctive place in South African media, particularly through its focus on fashion, beauty, relationships, careers and the lives of African women.

MAGAZINES

TrueLove Magazine shuts down

Iconic South African fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine TrueLove is shutting down. After a print legacy and more than 50 years of Black excellence, the iconic magazine brand will officially be coming to an end.
The last edition of… pic.twitter.com/HhlyoAfe0p

Entertainment (@TvblogbyMLU) September 23, 2026

Media24 marked the magazine’s 50th anniversary in 2023, describing TrueLove as a publication that had ‘served style and Black excellence’ for five decades. At the time, the company announced plans for the ‘next 50 years’ under returning editor-in-chief Mbali Soga.

The reported closure has already prompted an emotional response from readers and celebrities who grew up with the publication. Bonang Matheba, who has appeared on the magazine’s covers, reacted to the news on X with a simple: ‘Yoh. ‘

Yoh. 😭😭 https://t.co/d1JnKBV6nB

Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) September 23, 2026

For many readers, the possible end of TrueLove represents more than the loss of another magazine. It marks the disappearance of a publication that helped shape conversations around Black beauty, ambition, relationships and representation across generations.

The news also comes as South Africa’s traditional magazine industry continues to navigate the shift towards digital publishing, changing consumer habits and the economics of print. For now, the reported January 2027 final issue remains subject to official confirmation from TrueLove.