As the Courier celebrates its 40th anniversary, we asked our readers to reflect on the impact we’ve had over the years. From personal stories to community milestones, here’s what you had to say about how we’ve made a difference in your lives and the communities around you.

Valerie Widmann Govender – 40 years? Wow! It gave me my first taste of writing more than 30 years ago. My mother probably still has a scrap book of every single article that I wrote under the column “Shakaskraal Indaba.” I’m now an indie author with books on Amazon! Thank you for trusting this young (back then) Indian girl and for giving me an opportunity with zero experience – only a love for writing. Someone once called to complain about what I’d written and I remember Bruce saying to me “any response to what you write is a great response…it’s better than no response.” Thank you for 40 years NCC!

May Coomer – Happy 40th brthday to the Courier! What a milestone. Thank you for being the thread that keeps our community stitched together. In a world rushing toward more screens, more noise and more scrolling… you’ve kept the heart of local storytelling alive.Your paper has helped me feel more rooted, more connected and more aware of the everyday magic happening right here in our own backyard. There’s something beautifully grounding about opening a real newspaper, the kind that still smells like ink and feels like home. Here’s to many more years of keeping our stories alive and our community connected.

Celenia Padayachee – Happy birthday NCC. In the 40 years both my family and I have featured many times in your publications, from my wedding pictures, to my daughters artwork, to our milestones, the NCC was always there. You covered all our local news with pride, both the good and the bad. Happy birthday.

Olivia Roels Sak – Great team. All built by the Stephensons and Naudés. I remember your 30th birthday as if it was yesterday. Amazing how this paper still flourishes in a digital world.

UncleTk – I was very young when I started to write my letters to the Editor. I thank the Courier for putting my letters on their Letters page. I’m so happy for their milestone, congratulations team.

Bk Maqhuzu Ngwenya – Congratulations on such a milestone of telling our stories and keeping us informed. You have helped us reach a larger audience of readers and literature lovers as A chorus of Rustics Writers Club. You have published our articles and many have read of the published authors and now we are reaching far and wide. Thank you for helping us grow.

Susan Blampied – I started my teaching career at Umhlali Primary 40 years ago and have followed The North Coast Courier ever since. A great wealth of news. Thank you. Well done!

Ayanda Hlanti – Happy 40th Courier thank you for your incredible work reporting news and telling stories across the North Coast.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.