Remember the elephant that supposedly stood guard over the body of a fallen ranger in the Kruger National Park? The heartwarming story spread like the proverbial veldfire across social media in May before it was exposed as fake news.

In today’s world, anyone with a cellphone can publish content. The problem is that much of what gets shared is never verified. By the time someone asks, “Is this actually true?”, thousands of people may already have seen, liked and shared it.

A few decades ago, the news landscape looked very different. Newspapers employed trained journalists, editors checked facts, and if a publication got something wrong, it was held accountable.

The rise of social media and digital publishing changed that landscape almost overnight.

Today, a highly sophisticated, multimillion-rand disinformation industry exists to spread false narratives deliberately. Some campaigns seek to influence elections. Others aim to manipulate public opinion or convince people to invest in questionable schemes. Like khakibos seeds carried on the wind, these stories are amplified by keyboard warriors and unsuspecting readers alike.

Then there is misinformation. Unlike disinformation, it is not shared with malicious intent. It is spread by well-meaning people who forward stories about grieving elephants, miracle cures or severe weather warnings without checking whether they are true, current or even real.

Artificial intelligence has made the problem even bigger. In a matter of minutes, anyone can create convincing fake images, videos or articles. Some do it for fun. Others do it for attention, clicks or advertising revenue. Before long, it becomes difficult to tell fact from fiction.

Whatever its source, not everything that appears online can be trusted. That is why credible news organisations remain essential. They do the hard work of verifying information, checking facts and holding those in power accountable.

Credible journalism rooted in local communities

While many organisations publish content online, trusted journalism depends on established newsrooms with professional editorial standards and deep roots in the communities they serve.

Through the Local News Network (LNN), The Citizen, The Witness and a range of specialised digital platforms, Caxton reaches millions of South Africans every month with professionally produced journalism.

The Local News Network is one of the country’s largest hyperlocal news ecosystems. It consists of more than 110 local newspapers and 55 local news websites serving towns, suburbs and municipalities across South Africa. Unlike national media, which often focus on politics, business and international affairs, LNN publications report on the issues that directly affect residents’ daily lives – water outages, electricity interruptions, municipal accountability, crime trends, school achievements, community projects and local sporting events.

Titles such as Lowvelder, Witbank News, Pretoria Rekord, Boksburg Advertiser, Northern Natal News and South Coast Sun are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. Their journalists are often the first on the scene when major events happen and frequently provide crucial reporting that feeds into national coverage.

Caxton Media reaches millions across South Africa

The scale of this network reflects South Africans’ continued demand for credible, community-focused news. According to April 2026 data, Caxton’s local news websites attracted 5.3 million monthly users, generating 6.8 million sessions and 8.6 million page views. More than 601 800 readers subscribe to the network’s newsletters, while its local news Facebook communities collectively reach over 4.6 million followers.

Nationally, The Citizen recorded 3.5 million monthly digital users, while The Witness reached more than 503 000 users. Across all its digital platforms, Caxton attracted more than 10.7 million users during April 2026.

Print remains equally important. Despite predictions of its demise, community newspapers continue to be trusted sources of information for millions of readers. Caxton’s print publications reached 8.8 million readers during the period, including 7.7 million readers of local newspapers, with audited circulation and print distribution exceeding 2.3 million copies.

Combined, Caxton Media delivered approximately 19.5 million monthly touchpoints across its print and digital platforms, demonstrating the continued value South Africans place on trusted journalism.

More than news

While local and national journalism remain at the heart of Caxton’s operations, the company has also expanded into specialist digital platforms that connect audiences with content aligned to their interests.

Caxton Media’s Hive division complements its news portfolio through a range of specialist digital brands, including Guzzle, Ignition Buy and Sell and Infinity, serving dedicated communities with lifestyle, motoring and consumer-focused content. Guzzle alone attracted 1.4 million monthly users during April 2026, generating 4.4 million page views.

Together, these platforms form part of a broader digital ecosystem designed to inform, engage and connect South Africans.

At a time when misinformation spreads faster than ever, trusted journalism remains one of society’s most important safeguards. Whether it is uncovering corruption, reporting on service delivery failures, celebrating community achievements or simply separating fact from fiction, credible journalism helps citizens make informed decisions about the world around them.

And that is precisely what Caxton Media continues to do every day.

To follow your local news

Click here to add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from your local publication in Google News and Top Stories.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.