“This dramatic increase in circulation is a resounding endorsement for the changes that we have made to the magazine in the last six months,” says Lindsay Breytenbach, associate publisher at Media24. “We ascribe the growth to two key factors: a change in our cover strategy, and the in-depth, intimate content that the magazine provides for its loyal readers.”

“We dig deeper and strike a chord that resonates with black women. Our features are not superficial – the magazine speaks closely to a woman who embraces her history and the challenges that she has survived and is still going through,” says Dudu Mvimbi Leshabane, the magazine’s editor. “It is mainly our cover stories that highlight the deepest details about the celebrity. And this gives the reader the opportunity to connect with the other women featured in the magazine.”

“South Africa’s celebrities know that they are at home with us. Real has become the magazine that they trust to communicate the truth about their stories – and this ongoing relationship of trust is one of the reasons our readers hold the magazine in such high esteem,” she adds.

This editorial content is easy to digest and empowers the reader with the tools that they can use to navigate their daily lives. “The magazine’s focus is to give readers the advice that they need to tackle their daily challenges. Most of all, we have become a trusted friend and confidante,” says Mvimbi Leshabane.

“This integrity is respected by our increasing readership, and they’re showing their approval by buying copies of Real. We’re grateful for their vote of confidence, and are committed to giving them more of the content that they value in the coming months.”