- Tabloid Newspaper
- Printed on Newsprint Paper
- 30 000 Copies Distributed Weekly
- Frequency: Weekly Thursdays
- Target Audience: Local Community
- Area of Distribution: uMlazi, Durban Central
With 301 000 copies circulated on a weekly basis, the 11 titles published by Eyethu KZN together constitute the largest stable of black owned community newspapers in KwaZulu-Natal. The brand, established in 2008, serves a diverse audience as it reaches readers from urban, suburban, agricultural and rural communities throughout the entire province, and due to its impressive distribution, the stable constantly strives to achieve only the highest standards of journalism. Eyethu KZN has boldly turned to isiZulu as its preferred medium and, consequently, the various titles have garnered a sizeable following due to the language demographics of KZN. The use of isiZulu has also meant that the newspapers have become a trusted source of relevant information for readers who would otherwise, due to language barriers, be excluded.
uMlazi is South Africa’s fourth largest township (behind Soweto, Tembisa and Katlehong) and as such, Eyethu uMlazi enjoys a substantial following and the distinction of being one of Eyethu KZN’s flagship titles. Over the years, uMlazi has blossomed into an increasingly significant centre of commercial activity as residents’ buying power has grown and businesses have moved into the buzzing township. Eyethu uMlazi is the paper of choice for residents in search of local, community, schools, church, organisational, sports and lifestyle news. High quality advertising inserts are also integral to the newspaper as they contain important information regarding service and retail offerings/specials.
“uMlazi” is widely believed to be derived from the Zulu word that refers to the sour acid produced by fermenting milk, “umlaza”: legend has it that King Shaka refused to drink water from a local river, saying that it was sour and therefore unpalatable (umlaza!). Whatever the origins for the name, uMlazi, and following the examples set by its sister publications, Eyethu uMlazi strives to maintain its good reputation for being a purveyor of reliable, unprejudiced and credible news.