I READ in Sowetan that its coverage is now shifting from "tokoloshe" stories to covering real-time issues that affect our society because that would have a penchant to result in a progressive and self-respecting society.

I READ in Sowetan that its coverage is now shifting from "tokoloshe" stories to covering real-time issues that affect our society because that would have a penchant to result in a progressive and self-respecting society.

I grew up with Sowetan and the legacy of Aggrey Klaaste lives in us. Even young blood such as the erstwhile political writer Justice Mohale influenced how blacks got to view and improve ourselves.

Sowetan has been a cornerstone of our societal emancipation and while the "raped by a snake" stories bring in the money quicker, the long-term results are just a perpetuation of racial stereotypes.

The argument by some publishers that they make people who "never used to read, start reading" is absurd.

Despite Sowetan's progression, the sad reality is that not all sectors of our community are as progressive. For instance, at the weekend I took my wife to the Women's Day concert featuring Johnny Gill, Kenny Lattimore and Anthony Hamilton. I spent over a grand for tickets and my expectations were in the double digits. We arrived at the venue at 6pm as the show was supposed to start at 7pm but, lo and behold, we waited until 8.30pm. African time?

Posters informed us that Gill would not perform. It took 40 minutes to change artists between acts and the MC was so unprofessional. I don't know his name because he didn't introduce himself.

No apologies for Gill not appearing or that there were no drinks sold in the reserved area as advertised. I felt ripped off. Were we treated that way because we and the organisers are black? Morris Rhoda Productions really put on a crappy show. Had it not been for the brilliance of our local boy Brian Themba, the genius of Oliver Mtukudzi and the suave Lattimore, I would be thinking legal action.

Maupi Monyemangene, Joburg