This article analyses the impact of the Church of Scotland (CoS) magazine Life and Work on the Dutch Reformed Church and other individuals and bodies during the period 1975–1985. It does this through investigating the editor’s approach to South African affairs and the nature of contributions that he published. Significantly different views were expressed by those who had lengthy exposure to the South African context as missionaries of the CoS and ‘tourists’ (holiday makers, relatives of residents in South Africa and church visitors). As the period progressed, changing attitudes are discerned that came more and more into line with the anti-apartheid stance of the General Assembly expressed through its boards and committees. ; This research is part of the research project, ‘History of Theological Education in Africa’ directed by Prof. Dr Graham Duncan of the Department of Church History and Church Polity at the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria. ; http://www.hts.org.za ; am2019 ; Church History and Church Policy