Some of the website enhancements include a new navigation bar, aiming to make browsing from one section to another easier, responsive layouts for mobile browsing on smartphones, and an extra light web version for low data usage and feature phone users.

The comment section, picture of the day, and the wedding blog take centre stage on the new sites. Sowetan also has an upgraded app available in the Google Playstore and the App Store.

Philani Mgwaba, editor-in-chief of Sowetan and Sunday World, says, "The Sowetan and Sunday World readers are incredibly engaged and loyal. We asked for feedback on the beta version of the site and had overwhelmingly positive and constructive feedback. All this was taken into account and used in the final site in terms of content, functionality, as well as the aesthetic." 

While fake news has become a problem on the Internet, SowetanLIVE’s technology includes the use of the HTTPS web publishing protocol, which aims to safeguard the content from third-party attacks and hijacking. This also protects readers from malware and guarantees that content originates from SowetanLIVE’s newsroom.

Once SowetanLIVE readers have completed the free online registration to use the comments facility, they’ll also have the option to opt-in to receive any of the Sowetan’s new range of email newsletters: SowetanLIVE morning, afternoon, and breaking news emails; weekly gossip updates with Sunday World's Shwashwi newsletter; a mid-week round-up of sport stories; and two Sunday World newsletters on Mondays and Fridays.

Lisa MacLeod, head of digital at Tiso Blackstar, adds, "We believe we’ve created websites that will offer a great experience to readers and advertisers and, by including low data versions of the site, we are catering to readers across the spectrum."

For more information, visit www.sowetanlive.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.