| Format | Tabloid |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 |
| Owners | Independent News and Media SA |
| Language | Zulu |
| Website | isolezwe.co.za |
Isolezwe is a Zulu-language newspaper launched in 2002 by Independent News & Media. It is published daily in Durban, South Africa, in the tabloid format. Editor Kiki Ntuli describes their target market as "the modernising Zulu ... [s]omeone who may go back home to the rural areas to slaughter a cow to amadlozi [the ancestors], but is as equally comfortable taking his family out for dinner and a movie in a shopping mall".[1][2]
In 2024, Isolezwe received a nomination for "Most Informative Online Publication" at the Behind The Scenes Awards (BTSA)[3]) Other nominees in the same category included Zimoja Lezinto, Sunday World, Daily Sun, MDNtv, and Times Live. The Behind The Scenes Awards[4] celebrate excellence in various media and entertainment fields within South Africa.
History
In June 2004, Isolezwe launched their online edition; their fellow Independent News & Media publications described it as the first Zulu-language news website.[5][6] In the five years after its founding, it performed much better than Independent's English-language South African dailies, growing from a circulation of under 30,000 to more than 95,000, according to Audit Bureau of Circulations figures.[1] Much of their circulation consists of single-copy sales rather than subscriptions. It continued its strong performance in the first quarter of 2010, with a 34% increase in circulation to 104,481, as compared to industry-wide 2.3% drop in sales. Circulation for their Sunday edition, Isolezwe ngeSonto, also reached 71,219. Paper insiders disagreed on the reasons for the growth; editor-in-chief Mbathi credited human-interest stories and local news, while joint managing director Brian Porter mentioned editorial content and sports as "vital ingredients".[7]
Language
Isozwele is known for using a more urban form of Zulu, in contrast to its competitor Ilanga, which describes itself as using a "purer form" of the language.
Distribution areas
| 2008 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | Y | |
| Free State | Y | Y |
| Gauteng | Y | Y |
| Kwa-Zulu Natal | Y | Y |
| Limpopo | ||
| Mpumalanga | Y | Y |
| North West | Y | |
| Northern Cape | ||
| Western Cape |
Distribution figures
| Net Sales | |
|---|---|
| Oct - Dec 2015 | 99 500[10] |
| Jun - Aug 2015 | 104 510[10] |
| Jan - Mar 2015 | 110 155[11] |
| Jan - Mar 2014 | 119 846[11] |
| Oct - Dec 2012 | 106 858 |
| Jul - Sep 2012 | 107 628 |
| Apr - Jun 2012 | 113 786 |
| Jan - Mar 2012 | 117 266 |
Readership figures
| AIR | |
|---|---|
| Jan – Dec 2012 | 943 000 |
| Jul 2011 – Jun 2012 | 867 000 |
See also
References
- ^ Tolsi, Niren (2007-05-28), "The all new Zulu", Mail and Guardian, retrieved 2010-06-03
- ^ "Media Update (Isolezwe conquers the streets)". Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ^ "Daily Sun (South Africa)", Wikipedia, 2025-04-21, retrieved 2025-04-21
- ^ "1ST ANNUAL BEHIND THE SCENES AWARDS CELEBRATE SOUTH AFRICA’S CREATIVE POWERHOUSE.". FASHION FORCE AFRICA. 2024-07-28. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
- ^ "Zulu goes online with Isolezwe website", Independent Online, 2004-06-21, retrieved 2010-06-03
- ^ Khan, Farook (2004-06-30), "Isolezwe launches into cyberspace", The Mercury, retrieved 2010-06-03
- ^ "Zulu papers lead SA sales", Times Live, 2010-07-12, retrieved 2010-08-26
- ^ "Isolezwe Website". Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ Audit Bureau of Circulations (S.A)
- ^ "ABC Q4 Presentation". Audit Bureau of Circulations. Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
- ^ "ABC Analysis Q1 2015: The biggest-circulating newspapers in South Africa •". 8 May 2015.
- ^ SAARF AMPS (Previous Presentations)
- ^ SAARF AMPS (Industry Presentations)