About us
To Inform, Engage and Empower Local
Communities
Weslander has been the main source of reliable news for the West Coast (Weskus) for 53 years, earning the trust of generations of readers. With a strong community focus, the newspaper serves as a vital link between residents, local businesses, and public services. It’s a go-to platform for hyper-local stories — the kind of news that often goes unnoticed by national outlets but plays a crucial role in everyday life. From school achievements and local heroes to municipal matters and regional developments, Weslander provides a voice to smaller communities, helping to connect people, raise awareness, and highlight the issues that matter most to them.
Our mission
Our mission is to deliver reliable, hyper-local news in print and online that informs, engages, and empowers our communities. We are committed to accountability, cultivating and supporting our staff, and building lasting relationships with our readers and clients.
Our Values
Respect
Bravery
Integrity
Inclusivity
Excellence
Innovation
What we stand for
Community Connection
We believe that the strength of our town lies in the bonds between its people. Our stories aim to foster these connections by celebrating local achievements and shedding light on the issues that matter to our residents.
Integrity and Independence
We are committed to maintaining editorial independence and integrity. We strive for balanced reporting and provide a fair representation of all sides of a story.
Championing Local Voices
We are here for the people of our local community. Whether it’s highlighting the success of local businesses, covering school events, or amplifying the voices of community leaders. We are proud to be a champion for our readers.
Expand Your Reach Across Our Community Publications
Promote your business and get national coverage across multiple trusted local publications.
Our Community Focus
We are dedicated to highlighting the voices, challenges, and successes of our local communities. Through in-depth reporting, feature stories, and investigative pieces, we strive to inform, uplift, and connect those in our distribution area. Explore the latest community stories below and see what’s happening near you.
Helicopter deployment enhances safety at Table Mountain National Park
SANParks has deployed a helicopter at Table Mountain National Park, aiding in response to threats. A recent success included catching a suspect with a knife.
Nationwide online chess tournament for schools: Register now
The 2025 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship will include schools nationwide, promoting inclusivity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
Tourist from Cape Town missing in Northern Cape national park
A 66-year-old male tourist from Cape Town is missing in Augrabies Falls National Park after failing to return from a hike. Search efforts are ongoing.
Charity drives, quality races on the March line-up
Get ready for March’s quality races in Nelson Mandela Bay, featuring major events and a charity drive for the East Cape Horse Care Unit.
Opwindende musiekkonserte beplan vir 2025
Die beplande konsertreekse vir 2025 beloof ’n keur van musiek om sodoende alle musiekliefhebbers tevrede te stel.
Our Team
The Weslander is led by a dedicated team of journalists, editor, publisher, and community members who are passionate about providing meaningful news coverage to the people of Weskus.
Key team members:
- General Manager: Aletta Ellis – With over 21 years of experience in the community newspaper industry, Alet currently serves as a General Manager for the Western Cape community newspapers, leading a dedicated team to provide trusted local news and connect with the community. Passionate about both the impact of local journalism and the team that drives it, Alet is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment while helping to shape the future of the community they serve.
- Publisher: Stefan Kolver – As a seasoned publisher with a career spanning over three decades in the community newspaper industry, Stefan brings a wealth of experience to his role. Beginning as a junior advertising representative in 1993, he has held various positions across multiple titles within the Community News division. Returning to his roots in the Weskus, he now also leads the very publication where his journey began. Stefan is committed to elevating the publication to new heights, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge to drive growth and community engagement.
- Editor: Maryke Swart – With over 14 years of experience in the newspaper industry, Maryke has had the privilege of working in the vibrant newsrooms of various community newspapers. Her deep passion for community journalism stems from its critical role in fostering local engagement, promoting transparency, and providing a platform for diverse voices. It has always been her vision and commitment to deliver high-quality print newspapers that reflect the heart of our communities. At the same time, she recognizes the importance of embracing digital innovation to cater to Weslander’s growing online audience. She is dedicated to finding a harmonious balance between traditional print media and modern digital platforms, ensuring that stories reach and resonate with readers across all mediums.
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Our Connection with Novus Media
We are proud to be part of the Novus Media Network, which connects local communities across South Africa. As part of a larger network, we maintain editorial independence while benefiting from the support and resources of a nationwide media organization. For information on our overarching policies, visit the Novus Media Policy Pages.
Join the Conversation
We thrive on community interaction. We encourage our readers to submit letters, share opinion pieces, and reach out to us with story ideas that reflect the spirit of our town.
Have a story idea or feedback for us? Contact Us Today and let us know how we can serve you better.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
Thank you for making us your trusted news source. Together, we can continue to keep our community informed, inspired, and connected.
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