Salute to Alfred Nzo’s community newspaper publishers: voices that refuse to be silenced
As we approach the final days of 2025, it is only fitting to take a moment to recognise and salute the small community newspaper publishers across the Republic of South Africa — with a special focus on those operating in the Alfred Nzo region.
Alfred Nzo stands out as one of the regions in the country with a strong and resilient presence of small commercial newspapers. Publications such as The Informer, Pondo News, IzwileAfrika, Iso News, Pondoland Times, and the Kokstad Advertiser continue to serve their communities with dedication and courage, despite operating under extremely difficult conditions.
The internet has undoubtedly disrupted the traditional print industry. Advertising revenue has declined sharply, while printing and distribution costs continue to rise — often increasing more than once a year. Yet, in the face of these challenges, these publishers have chosen to stand firm and continue delivering information to the people they serve.
You remain the voice of the voiceless, even when businesses within your areas of distribution fail to recognise your importance. Government, too, has increasingly withdrawn its support, with little effort to ensure the growth and sustainability of community newspapers. Instead, publishers are often undermined by government communicators, and at times even ridiculed by the very people whose stories they tell and whose interests they defend.
This piece is written out of deep respect and admiration for the passion, resilience, and competitiveness that these publishers display — especially in the way they engage with one another, even on platforms such as WhatsApp. The level of innovation and creativity shown in embracing the digital space is remarkable, and the role these publications play in holding leaders accountable in the region is both visible and impactful.
To the publishers of Alfred Nzo: keep going. Those you challenge will not always appreciate your work. In fact, many will dislike — even hate — you for exposing wrongdoing and asking uncomfortable questions. But remember this: when those in power love you as a journalist, it is often a sign that you are not doing your job. When they resist and criticise you, you can be confident that you are on the right path.
There is hope that one day government will recognise the passion, innovation, and commitment that define community media and will begin to support and grow these visions, rather than ignore or undermine them. Equally important is the need for publishers to work together, to collaborate rather than compete, and to strengthen one another in the face of common challenges.
The power of mainstream media has already begun to shift. Increasingly, major outlets source stories from community journalists, as the most meaningful and impactful stories are no longer found only in big cities, but in the lived realities of our communities.
To all community newspaper publishers working under extreme conditions, particularly in the Alfred Nzo region: your work matters. Your resilience matters. Your voice matters.
May you all have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Amaqobokazana angalal’ endleleni — yazini kunyembelekile.
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