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The Novus Team

To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities

Welcome to the Novus Media Network, where community news is our focus. We bring you news, stories, and updates from all corners of South Africa through our extensive network of 21 local newspapers as well as our leading sports titles Soccer Laduma and KickOff. Here, you’ll find everything you need about our publications, including e-editions, archives, contact details, and subscription information.

Why Choose Our Publications?

Our network of local newspapers keeps you informed about what’s happening in your neighborhood, covering everything from local governance to school events and community highlights. With a deep commitment to accurate and impartial reporting, we aim to be the trusted voice of your community.

Whether you want to stay updated with local happenings, advertise your business, or catch up on past editions, our newspapers are your reliable source for everything local.

Meet the Novus Team

Novus General Manager

Esmé Smit

Esmé has a passion for grass root journalism and community news media and a dynamic business-minded professional with a rich 30 years history in media management, currently serving as General Manager Novus Media where she oversees a network of various geographically dispersed business units publishing 37 local community newspaper editions weekly as well as sport publications. Her educational achievements include an MBA from Gordons Institute of Business Science, specializing in leadership and management which complements her transformational leadership style focused on influencing and proactively leading. As certified professional integral executive coach, Esmé invest in high-performance team development and continued personal growth.

Regional Managers

Jeannine van Zyl

Free State & Northern Cape General Manager

Jeannine van Zyl has been in the media industry for 21 years, the majority of which she has spent running the Central Region. For 15 years, she has overseen daily operations in the Central Region, as well as the strategic direction of publications. Her key contributions while in this role have been characterised by building solid relationships with local businesses, leaders, and readers, whilst continuously being on the lookout for opportunities and forming partnerships that contribute to financial sustainability – keeping publications thriving.

The Free State & Northern Cape Team

Bettie Giliomee-Rossouw

Eastern Cape General Manager

With over 30 years of experience in journalism and the media industry, Bettie leads the EP Media team with a commitment to fairness and local storytelling, while ensuring a sustainable business for local news to be accessible to all.

The Eastern Cape Team

Alet Ellis

Western Cape General Manager

With over 21 years of experience in the community newspaper industry, Alet currently serves as a General Manager for the Western Cape community newspapers, leading a dedicated team to provide trusted local news and connect with the community. Passionate about both the impact of local journalism and the team that drives it, Alet is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment while helping to shape the future of the community they serve.

The Western Cape Team

Soccer Laduma & KickOff General Manager

Clint Roper

Going into his 26th year with Soccer Laduma and having been at the helm of KickOff for just over five years, Clint Roper’s passion for football shines through in the editorial excellence that both publications produce daily. Under his leadership, Soccer Laduma continues to be at the top of the table in the weekly print category in SA while both Soccer Laduma & KickOff’s huge audience numbers across their websites and social media channel’s make them juggernauts in the industry.