Reflecting and Shaping KZN

INDEPENDENT Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal is the region's most influential publishing group. From its Greyville premises, the company publishes and prints seven of its own titles. In addition, regional copies of national publications and other commercial printing contracts are undertaken - keeping the company's three presses rolling virtually 24/7.

An extensive, time-pressured operation distributes newspapers all over the province - from Durban's suburbs to rural northern KZN, into the Midlands and down the South Coast. Over 300,000 newspapers are delivered to subscribers' doorsteps every week, through a neighbourhood system of 'mother hens' and runners.Thousands of outlets, ranging from large supermarkets to small tuckshops, are stocked at least once a day; and street sellers in commuter areas make it easy for readers to pick up copies of their favourite newspaper 'on the go'.

Different Titles for Different Reader Needs
As a media organisation, Independent Newspapers KZN both reflects and shapes the society in which it operates. English daily titles, the morning Mercury and afternoon,Daily News,both have long illustrious histories. The Mercury today is a mix of breaking news and features, delivered crisply for the morning reader. A substantial business supplement, Business Report, keeps readers abreast of national and international market news and trends.

The Daily News first began publishing in 1878, as the Natal Mercantile Advertiser, based in West Street.With a more people-oriented approach than The Mercury, the title engages readers on a wide range of issues and includes numerous special interest supplements covering entertainment, motoring, Bollywood, racing, and employment opportunities.

The Zulu daily, Isolezwe, is a publishing success story. Launched in April 2002, the title quickly built up a loyal readership and now sells around 100,000 copies every day. In contrast to existing Zulu titles, Isolezwe is indeed the ‘eye of the nation’ – sharing new, as well as familiar experiences with readers. Hard news and issues of interest to the modern Zulu market are covered – everything from personal finance, health, motoring, entertainment, sport, politics, opinion, a topical cartoon, book reviews and people profiles can be found in Isolezwe.

In 2008 Isolezwe launched a sister title, Isolezwe ngeSonto, which appears on a Sunday which is very popular.

POST is a unique weekly publication. In the market since 1945, POST is the ‘voice and heart’ of the Indian community, keeping readers in touch with religious and cultural happenings but also including content for young readers, recipes to try at home,humorous columns, sports updates and profiles, business news as well as hard news and issues of particular interest to the Indian community.

The Sunday Tribune is Independent Newspapers KZN’s ‘flagship’ title. A regional newspaper with national stature, the Sunday Tribune is the preferred Sunday read for Durbanites, and many in KZN. Breaking news and tackling topical issues, the Sunday Tribune carries a bundle of special interest sections including, careers and business in Business Report; SM – the local authority on entertainment and lifestyle trends; SMTravel; a Property Guide; a pull-out TV guide; and Tribune Herald.

The Independent on Saturday is a punchy, up-market weekend read with interesting features, a focus on sport and great ideas on how to best spend weekend leisure time.The title’s Personal Finance section keeps readers in the know about wise - and not so wise - investments and financial options.

Part of the Community
Contributing to the community is an important part of the company’s operation. Falling within the marketing portfolio, a small team drives a range of community projects.

The Mercury Hibberdene Children’s Holiday Home provides indigent children and orphans with holidays at the sea. Each school holiday sees at least one, and sometimes two, groups of 150 children at the home experiencing the opportunity of a life time.

For the past 60 years the Daily News Milk Fund has been providing milk powder to thousands of needy children in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Donations from members of the public, Independent Newspapers staff and various companies make it possible for The Fund to supply and distribute milk to about 4 200 creche children under the age of six every school day.

POST runs a special appeal project through which people who have suffered extreme trauma or injury are helped with their medical expenses.

In addition to these projects which are directly linked to the three newspapers, Community Projects also provides approximately 100 bursaries each year to school going children, runs its own community college with an enrolment of 200 adults learning a range of subjects and skills from matric rewrites to English ABET, to computer literacy and even learner driver’s licence skills.The school is a prime example of sustainable development and has been recognized as such with a mayoral award for excellence.

At the opposite end of the age scale Community Projects plays a major role in the funding of a pre-school / homework centre / place of safety for children needing to get up to speed for main stream education, and those whose parents commute on public transport and cannot collect them until after office hours.

AIDS sufferers receive monthly food, and supplement contributions through Community Projects and a constant stream of clothing, household goods, toiletries and food is delivered into destitute communities each month. Smaller financial donations are made to registered welfare organizations.