The Polokwane Observer, established in May 2004, prints 10 000 copies weekly and its distribution range includes the Capricorn; Mopani; Waterberg; and Sekhukhune districts. The newspaper is distributed once a week and targets LSM groups six to 10; with a 55% male and 45% female readership. The readership profile according to sectors is as follows: 25% Government and semi-government; 25% corporative institutions; 30% private economic viable sector; and 20% consists of the youth and elderly.

The newspaper has an overall BBEE score of 56%; it is a level five contributor; and has an 80% procurement recognition level.

Its vision is to compete with existing media groups in Polokwane and surrounding areas in offering an additional and/ or alternative advertising medium to the business fraternity and the readers in its circulation area; and to adhere to the highest ethical code of conduct with regard to the presentation of news and advertising content.

The newspaper’s mission is to inform the reading public of Polokwane and surrounding areas of all issues of interest in an objective, reliable and trustworthy manner; to interpret and comment on the news of the day in a reasonable and balanced manner taking into account the bona fides of the news being reported; to introduce the products and services of the advertisers to the reading public, offering reasonable and competitive advertising rates; to function independently from any political party or ideology, committed to the truth and the interest of the advertisers and readers in its distribution area; and to strive towards freedom of the press, democracy, human rights, economic freedom and a peaceful, prosperous city and province.

The newspaper has achieved a number of awards. These include
Overall Best Community Newspaper in South Africa from the Sanlam Community Awards in 2005; Entrepreneurial Company of the Year, awarded by the Polokwane Chamber of Business Awards 2006; The Golden Arrow: Best Community Newspaper in Limpopo Award, awarded by the PMR Management Review Africa, in 2007; The Diamond Arrow: Best Community Newspaper in Limpopo Awards from PMR Management Review Africa 2008; Golden Arrow: Best Community Newspaper in Limpopo from the PMR Management Review Africa in 2009; and Overall best community newspaper in South Africa: Sanlam Awards (Hultzer Trophy) in 2009.

For more information, contact Publisher, Willie Esterhuysen on 082 785 2627 or email [email protected].

Alternatively, call 015 291 1061 or email [email protected].