Johannesburg – The founder of Alex News, John Mgogodlo, has taken his long-standing dispute with Caxton Publishers into the public domain, calling for justice and support as he seeks to reclaim ownership of the community newspaper he says he built from the ground up.
Mgogodlo alleges that in 2003, he entered into a partnership agreement with Caxton aimed at expanding Alex News. According to the signed shareholders’ agreement, his role as the original publisher — already actively producing and distributing the newspaper prior to the partnership — was formally acknowledged.
However, shortly after the agreement was concluded, Caxton allegedly registered the “Alex News” trademark in its own name. Mgogodlo claims this was done without his knowledge and without any clause in the agreement authorising such action.
Partnership Breakdown Raises Questions
During the three-year partnership, Mgogodlo says no board meetings or annual general meetings were held, raising concerns about governance and transparency. In 2006, he was informed that the business was not profitable and would be wound up.
He was also allegedly told that he owed Caxton more than R1 million — despite the company having full control over financial administration and bookkeeping, as outlined in the agreement.
Following the collapse of the joint venture, Caxton continued publishing Alex News under the same name — a move Mgogodlo argues effectively excluded him from the publication he founded.
Attempts at Resolution Fail
Mgogodlo says he has made multiple attempts over the years to resolve the dispute amicably. These include a recorded meeting in 2019 where Caxton representatives allegedly admitted that certain actions “should not have happened.”
Despite this, he claims the company has consistently denied liability and has refused further engagement on the matter.
“I Want My Legacy Back”
Speaking publicly about the dispute, Mgogodlo emphasised the personal and community significance of Alex News.
“I built Alex News without any resources from the ground up. It is time for the community of Alexandra to know the truth and for justice to be served so that I can reclaim my legacy,” he said.
Call for Support from Media and Legal Community
Mgogodlo is now calling on business leaders, intellectual property lawyers, media organisations, and members of the public to assist him in his efforts.
He has indicated that full documentation — including the 2003 shareholders’ agreement, trademark records, and correspondence — will be made available to support his case.
The dispute has sparked renewed debate around the protection of independent community media and the rights of founders in partnerships with larger publishing houses.
