TrueLove, South Africa’s iconic fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine, is set to publish its final print edition in January 2027, bringing an end to more than five decades on the newsstands.
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The publication has been a prominent platform for Black excellence, fashion, beauty, entertainment and real-life stories since its launch in 1972. Media24 describes TrueLove as a magazine that has served style and Black excellence in South Africa and across the continent for more than 50 years.
The end of an era for TrueLove
The reported closure marks the end of a significant chapter for one of South Africa’s best-known lifestyle publications.
Throughout its history, TrueLove has featured some of the country’s biggest personalities and creatives, while giving readers stories centred on fashion, relationships, careers, beauty, health, entertainment and everyday life.
The magazine celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, having built a loyal readership among generations of Black South African women. The January 2027 issue is expected to be the publication’s final print edition. Reports of the closure began circulating in September, although Media24’s website continues to list TrueLove among its magazine brands.
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
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A publication that celebrated Black excellence
For generations of readers, TrueLove was about more than fashion and lifestyle.
Its covers and features provided a platform for Black women, entertainers, entrepreneurs, creatives and public figures to tell their stories and celebrate their achievements.
Among the memorable covers was one featuring Bonang Matheba, whose bold declaration, “I CAN SLAY ALL MY LIFE IF I WANT TO WHO CARES?”, became emblematic of the confident, unapologetic tone the magazine could bring to its celebrity features.
The publication also became a respected space for the creatives working behind the scenes in the entertainment and fashion industries.
Paledi Segapo reflects on TrueLove‘s legacy
Stylist Paledi Segapo was among those reflecting on what the magazine has meant to South Africa’s creative industry.
Paledi shared fond memories of the publication and its contribution to creatives, highlighting the respect and visibility TrueLove gave to people working across fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.
For many in the industry, the magazine’s pages offered an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience.
The changing media landscape
TrueLove‘s reported closure comes as traditional print media continues to face financial and structural pressures.
Media24 has been shifting its operations towards digital platforms, while the broader publishing industry has experienced declining print circulation and advertising revenue. Media24 previously described the decline of print as a structural challenge rather than a temporary change.
TrueLove itself has already had a significant digital presence through SNL24, where it sits alongside other established South African media brands.
However, reports about the January 2027 final issue have not confirmed whether the magazine will continue in another format beyond print.
A cultural touchstone comes to an end
The reported end of TrueLove‘s print edition represents more than the closure of another magazine title.
For over 50 years, the publication has documented changing attitudes, trends, careers, relationships and popular culture while creating space for Black South African voices.
As readers prepare for the final print issue in January 2027, TrueLove‘s legacy will remain tied to the generations of readers, celebrities and creatives who found themselves represented in its pages.
The final print issue will close a 50-year chapter for a publication that became an important part of South Africa’s media and popular culture landscape.
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