The Incredible team behind The Herald:
Zaheed Khan : Editor in Chief
Tasneem : Accounts Manager
Dominique Vogel: Administrator Manager and Advertising Rep.
Elmarie Robus : Advertising Rep
Thabo : Journalist
Welcome : Journalist
History
Thirteen years ago a research carried out by us, indicated that Middelburg and surrounding areas had room for another newspaper. Studies throughout the world suggest that mass communication must have a simple and clear message and project its mission with clarity. Middelburg needed such a communication tool, to reach out and revolutionize the mind-set of the people. It needed a paper that is unafraid to expose lies and deception, and remain committed to free and democratic reporting. This led to the founding of The Herald in Middelburg.
The Herald is owned by Zaheed Khan, a young man who ‘cut his teeth’ at the Ladysmith Herald before selling it to Tabloid Newspapers, after establishing himself as a newspaper man for 6 years in Ladysmith.
Change is often difficult to accept. This was no different especially in a conservative town like Middelburg. Advertisers, the backbone of any newspaper, were unsure if their advertisements would yield the desired results. We arrived to provide the advertiser with specific marketing skills, to launch new products, to define advertorials, creating a market niche for products and a gateway for sharing information. Readers were unsure if The Herald was a mouthpiece for a specific political party or a particular ethnic group. But as time went on these challenges were successfully overcome.
The Herald speaks for and to the community. It is accepted as an ideal avenue to uplift the quality of life of all sectors of the community, especially those previously disadvantaged. Our readership of over 60 000 people consist of people from all race and age groups.
The Herald also serves the LSM market of 1 – 10.
The Advertisers see The Herald as an investment that pays handsome dividends. Incisive journalism has won the confidence of the communities.
Our biggest advantage is that The Herald is distributed free of charge in and around Middelburg and covers the following areas:
Middelburg, Witbank, Pullenshope, Belfast, Arnot, Hendrina, Mhluzi).
It has also become an essential tool to communicate Municipal information to residents.
We strive to make our tabloid a true conduit of our Municipality.
We have a responsibility to the citizens of our Municipality and ensure fair reporting of activities in and around our area. We are truly proud to be part of the Steve Tshwete Municipality and are determined to be here for generations to come.
Despite many thinking we will be a ‘Fly-by-night’ newspaper, 8 years on and we are still growing stronger and stronger.
We are, the better, reader friendly little newspaper with a great heart!
To our Advertisers
The Herald is an innovative newspaper committed to the principal of sound ethics as well as creating a culture of responding to the community at large.
The Herald enjoys an independent mind that is underpinned by it’s mission of informing and leading it’s readership.
The Herald is a FREE knock-and-drop tabloid, distributed weekly. It covers the above mentioned areas. 15 000 copies are printed weekly.
The quality of print is second to none and advertisers are guaranteed value for money. The rates are far cheaper than those charged by other local newspapers. Proof reading ensures that all adverts are correct and as per specs of the advertiser at the time of print.
The Herald has a pleasant team of advertising representatives that is passionate about its work, knowing that advertisers are the back-bone of any media and actually pay our bills. Therefore all advertisers are treated with the respect they deserve.
Care is taken not to advocate pornography or any illicit business practices as part of the social responsibility that The Herald shoulders.
Regular checks are conducted to ensure that copies of The Herald are not ‘dumped’ by our distributors. This ensures that all advertisers, big and small, reach their target market.
Despite the downturn in the economy and opposition from other local newspapers, The Herald has weathered the storm and has grown in stature. The philosophy of The Herald is that if advertisers thrive and grow, so will The Herald’s business.
Advertisers are the life blood of The Herald and should be treated ‘like royalty’!
Distribution
The Herald is a community driven newspaper. It is accepted as an ideal avenue to uplift the quality of life of all sectors of the community, especially those previously disadvantaged.
Our biggest advantage is that The Herald is distributed free of charge in and around Middelburg and covers the following areas:
Middelburg, Witbank, Pullenshope, Belfast, Arnot, Hendrina, Mhluzi.
Mission Statements
The nature and philosophy of The Herald is to be an appendage of the community.
· The quality must match the service, customer relationships and employee relations.
· It must sustain a professional corporate culture and image.
· We must pursue growth and profitability goals