Vuk’uzenzele newspaper goes fully digital
With the fast-changing communication world that has resulted in the emergence of digital platforms, now surpassing the traditional communication platforms, Vuk’uzenzele newspaper is also joining this digital revolution and will no longer be available in hard copy.
For the past 19 years, the newspaper has been disseminating information that empowers the public to participate in government programmes, and it was available on hard copy and online.
It was published bimonthly but only printed one edition per month while the other edition is published online. All editions were distributed to citizens for free, mainly in areas with less access to the mainstream media.
Vuk’uzenzele targets readers in the rural and peri-urban areas with partly translated inspirational stories aimed at empowering communities with information and opportunities on government’s key priorities such as employment, economic opportunities, youth programmes, service delivery and rural development. The newspaper is also
Mavimbela, confirmed that Vuk’uzenzele stopped printing in March 2024 and will only be available on digital platforms moving forward.
“Citizens have also caught onto this wave with recorded figures of 47 million South Africans having access to the internet. Government cannot ignore this phenomenal growth, and a move to an online platform will ensure that we not only reach a wider sector of the population, but that we reach them faster,” she explained.
Mavimbela added that grandmothers in the rural areas are now able to receive government and other communication through WhatsApp and the data costs are also getting very affordable. “Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is also looking at partnerships to have the downloads of Vuk’uzenzele done at no costs to citizens. Another point is that Vuk’uzenzele will now be easily sharable as the recipient will be able to share to their contact list,” she said.
The GCIS recently also launched government’s first podcast. Named Vuk’ Talks, this podcast is a brand extension of the newspaper and will supplement the publication by bringing Vuk’uzenzele stories to life in an exciting new platform. Vuk’ Talks is published every Thursday on YouTube and Spotify. ¥