At first glance, the July 1956 issue of Drum appears to be a vibrant showcase of fashion. However, beneath this pop-culture appeal lay the magazine’s signature strategy—hiding serious journalism within a ‘sweet wrapper’ of beauty and entertainment to avoid Apartheid censorship. Headlines like “Blackman Has White Parents!” and “Boycotts Break Out All Over!” hint at deeper racial and political issues. By blending aspirational imagery with investigative reporting, Drum reached hundreds of thousands across Africa, fostering Black pride while spreading crucial stories of injustice, identity, and resistance.