About us
To Inform, Engage and Empower Local
Communities
From local governance to community celebrations, the Swartland Gazette is committed to sharing the stories that define our towns and the people who call them home. As the leading local publication, we take pride in being a trusted source of information, reflection, and representation for our readers. We make it our duty to inform, inspire, and connect the residents of Worcester, Rawsonville, De Doorns, Wolseley, Robertson, Ashton, Bonnievale, and Montagu — covering everything from council decisions and infrastructure projects to school events, cultural milestones, and everyday achievements that deserve recognition.
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.
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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.
Our Team
Although a small team, Standard & Gazette is led by dedicated journalists who are passionate about providing meaningful news coverage to the people of Breede Valley and Langeberg.
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.
- Editor: Lise Beyers – With over 20 years of experience in journalism, Lise leads the editorial team with a commitment to fairness and local storytelling, keeping her finger on the pulse of Drakenstein.
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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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