Behind the byline: How our journalists bring care, rigour and truth to Ridge Times and Standerton Advertiser

In an era when synthetic content, social media rumours, and digital disinformation flood our daily feeds, distinguishing fact from falsehood has never been more challenging.

For Mphikeleli Masangu and Kerry Bird, journalists at Ridge Times and Standerton Advertiser, local journalism is not merely about breaking headlines — it is about upholding a steadfast commitment to accuracy, integrity and local accountability.

Every week, Masangu and Bird cover the stories that directly shape our community, from holding local authorities accountable to highlighting the triumphs of our residents. Behind every published sentence lies a thorough process defined by care, rigour and responsibility.

“Reporting local news requires a human touch that no automated algorithm can replicate. Verification is our non-negotiable standard,” says Masangu.

“Before a story reaches our readers — whether in print or online — it undergoes a rigorous process of source vetting, document cross-referencing and careful ethical review. We verify so our community can trust,” adds Bird.

This commitment to careful journalism has produced real, tangible outcomes for our region. From uncovering critical community issues to giving a voice to those who need it most, local reporting serves as a vital safeguard for the public interest.

As we mark World News Day 2026 under the global theme ‘Choose Truth’, Ridge Times and Standerton Advertiser stand proudly as part of the Caxton network, representing credible, independent journalism across South Africa.

In partnership with international organisations like WAN-IFRA, we remain dedicated to protecting information integrity and ensuring that our community receives news grounded in verified facts.

Trust is not manufactured; it is earned through accountable, boots-on-the-ground reporting. Thank you for supporting local journalism and choosing truth every day.