About us

WHO WE ARE 

The Witness and witness.co.za, edited by Stephanie Saville, is a daily newspaper published in Pietermaritzburg. It mainly serves readers in Pietermaritzburg, Durban and the inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Previously The Natal Witness, it is the oldest continuously published newspaper in South Africa, having first been published on 27 February 1846. We offer our readers a smooth journey and fully integrated experience across mobile, tablet, print and online. Our value propositions are tailored to fit the various interests of our readers. 

Our vision: 

The Witness is a digital-first, national news website and daily newspaper, first in keeping our readers up to date with news and information. 

Our mission: 

The Witness/witness.co.za is one of the most trusted news brands in South Africa and aims to be first in breaking and unpacking stories for our readers to remain on top of news nationally. We also share relevant Opinion, Analysis, Lifestyle, Business and Sport content that resonates with our readers’ fields of interest, while offering a desirable audience for advertisers on our platforms. 

The Witness/witness.co.za is also an important information vehicle for local and national advertising. 

CIRCULATION AND READERSHIP 

The Witness Newspaper 
Circulation: 7 183 | Readership: 120 000 
 
Weekend Witness Newspaper 
Circulation: 6 343 | Readership: 100 000 
 
Gender: Male: 65% | Female: 35% 
Race: 52,5% Black | 8,33% White |  6,67% Coloured  | 32,5% Indian  
Age: 15-24 years: 5,46% | 25-34 years: 23,34% | 35-49 years: 16,67% | 50+ years: 21,67% 
Average age: 40 years 
SEM: SEM 8-10: 55% | SEM 5-7: 33,33% | SEM 1-4: 12,5% 
Income: R20 248 (average household income per month) 

Sources: ABC Jan – Mar 2022  

CONTENT PILLARS 

News | Business | Politics 
Sport | Soccer (Phakaaathi) |Horse Racing  
Opinion | Analysis | Entertainment  
Classifieds | Motoring | Legals | Auctions 

SUPPLEMENTS AND SPECIAL FEATURES 

Our supplements carry a large variety of reader interest subjects such as sport, economics, politics, entertainment and leisure, motoring, health and horse racing. HORSE RACING: Horse racing special with highs and lows, tips, trainer reports and all the intrigue on and off the track. Dedicated horse racing pages every week, including forms and specialised racing content.  

SPORTS: In-depth reviews and previews of the week’s matches and fixtures to come, as well as up-to-date breaking news. 
 
MOTORING: Motoring page every Thursday.