Benjamin Pogrund is a South African journalist and author. He was raised in Cape Town and became one of the most influential reporters during the Apartheid struggle. He joined the Rand Daily Mail in 1958 and reported on black politics, specifically the Sharpeville massacre of March 1960.
He later became the deputy editor of the newspaper and in 1965, Pogrund authored a series of articles based on interviews with Harold Strachan which focused on the beating and torture of black inmates and the maltreatment of white political prisoners. During his career reporting on South Africa apartheid, Pogrund faced various challenges.
He was put in prison once, had his passport revoked and was investigated as a threat to the state by security police. The Rand Daily Mail ultimately closed down in 1985 because of its stand against apartheid.
Pogrund then left for Britain, where he became the foreign editor at London's Today, and later chief foreign sub-editor of The Independent.
Pogrund has published numerous works, which includes: How can man die better: The life of Robert Sobukwe, Drawing Fire: Investigating the Accusations of Apartheid in Israel and War of Words: Memoir of a South African Journalist. He also published a Children’s book called Nelson Mandela: Leader Against Apartheid.
Pogrund was the recipient of the 2005/06 Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award. This award from Tufts University is awarded to those who challenge and inspire the students and community of Tufts University. Pogrund and his wife Anne have lived in Jerusalem since 1997.
He is the founding director of Yakar's Center for Social Concern. He was also a member of the Israeli delegation to the United Nations World Conference against Racism in Durban.