Four new Algoa Suns have launched in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro that each serve specific areas of the region. The titles bring hyper-local news directly into the homes of more than 80 000 residents. The titles will replace the Algoa Sun, a paper that has served Port Elizabeth for 28 years.
Each of the four publications are delivered directly to homes free of charge on a monthly basis and are filled with uplifting community news and views, schools and charity events, local sport, entertainment, photographs and competitions relevant to the communities they serve.
The Algoa Sun editor in chief Heather Robertson, who is also editor of The Herald, said: “The response so far to our new Algoa Suns has been phenomenal. Before the launch we met with representatives from all four communities and we were thrilled by the energy and enthusiasm we encountered. These community papers are created for the people by the people, and we will serve them with a monthly menu of hyper local events diaries, local heroes, neighbourhood news, school and club sports, skills development and education, fun and entertainment.
“We aim to keep the community conversations going from sunrise to sunset, empowering communities to speak out about issues that are bothering them and to take positive action to restore hope in their own neighbourhoods.”
The four publications are:
Motherwell Algoa Sun
On the first Thursday of each month, more than 20 000 copies are delivered to households throughout the bustling and ever-growing Motherwell area from NU2 to NU11, as well as Swartkops Valley. The first edition was distributed on March 8, 2012 and was met with a hugely positive response from residents, who have been starved of quality community news that speaks directly to them in both English and isiXhosa.
The Walmer Algoa Sun
Almost 19 000 copies are distributed on the second Thursday of each month to homes throughout Walmer, Walmer Heights, Lovemore Heights, Pari Park, Miramar, Mount Pleasant, Greenshields Park, Charlo as well as Walmer Township. Stories include inspiring and upbeat human interest interviews with the fascinating people living in these areas, their businesses, hobbies and achievements. The first issue launched last week was a great hit with Walmer residents who are thrilled to have a newspaper focussed on positive stories.
The Western Algoa Sun
On the third Thursday of each month, 21,600 copies of The Western Sun are distributed to homes in Lorraine, Ben Kamma, Framesby, Westering, Sherwood, Linton Grange, Sunridge Park, Weybridge Park, Viking Vale, Kabega Park, Hunters Retreat and Bridgemead. Stories will be published in both English and Afrikaans. The Western suburbs of the city comprise a wonderfully diverse group of residents from many different walks of life and the paper reflects their stories and celebrations, as well as bringing them up-to-date news on events and developments in their neigbourhood.
The Northern Algoa Sun
A total of 20 900 copies are distributed door-to-door on the fourth Thursday of every month to homes in Cleary Park, Cleary Estate, Hillside, Malabar, Parkside, Bridgehaven, Gelvandale, Salsoneville, Schauderville and West End, among others. Stories are published in a mix of English and Afrikaans and focus on highlighting the positive stories and outstanding achievements of a community with a rich history, which has not always been given the full prominence it deserves.
The four new community papers are published by Avusa Community Newspapers, which is a subsidiary of Avusa Publishing Eastern Cape, publisher of The Herald.
