We can't deny that the month's suspension has hurt. The paper has borne a heavy cost, losing valuable advertising and sales revenue. But the extraordinary level of support we have received makes us confident about our future.
The month of enforced silence has been marked by a flood of solidarity messages and support – from foreign governments, human rights bodies, businessmen, churches, editors, political organisations and ordinary, concerned readers.
For example, strong representations to the South African government were made by the 12 European Community countries, who delivered a joint demarche (a severe form of diplomatic protest) to Pretoria. Most heartening of all, readers, advertisers and fellow journalists have also rallied around in this period.
We thank all of you who offered us support and assure you that we will continue with our task of keeping South Africans informed.
We restate our position: The Weekly Mail may have offended Stoffel Botha, but it did not break any law. Our "crime" was to criticise the government and raise questions about its policies and behaviour.
We will continue to do this.
This article originally appeared in the Weekly Mail.