A.J. Opperman

A.J. Opperman is an Afrikaans journalist and reviewer.

Biography

Born Abel Jacobus Opperman in the town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape in 1987 and grew up on a farm in the district. He matriculated at Cradock High School in 2005 and went on to Stellenbosch University, where he obtained an honours degree in journalism.

He went on to become a writer profiles and reviews, initially writing and working for the SABC's Afrikaans news as a bulletin writer before becoming part of the arts and entertainment editorial team of Netwerk24. Over the years his writing has appeared in Taalgenoot, Die Burger, Rapport, Litnet, Media24 and other related publications. He also writes inserts for the RSG radio station.

Among accolades received have been a Pica prize for profile writing in 2013 and the Cordis Trust's "Beiteljie toekenning" (lit. "little chisel prize") in 2024.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

His publications on theatre, film and media include interviews with and profiles of personalities, articles on various topics, and reviews of plays, films and TV texts and performances.

He has also served on the judging panels and other committees for festivals throughout the country.