About us
To Inform, Engage and Empower Local
Communities
The Worcester Standard & Breederivier Gazette has been the voice of the Breede Valley and Langeberg communities for decades, building a legacy of trust, relevance, and community connection. Established with the goal of keeping our communities informed and engaged, we’ve grown into one of the most respected and reliable local news sources in the region. From council updates and school news to cultural events and community-driven initiatives, we cover the stories that shape the everyday lives of our readers. Our mission is simple: to bring our communities the latest news, impactful stories, and insightful opinions that matter most — keeping them connected, empowered, and informed.
Our mission
Our mission is to deliver reliable, hyper-local news in print and online that informs, engages, and empowers our communities. We are committed to accountability, cultivating and supporting our staff, and building lasting relationships with our readers and clients.
Our Values
Respect
Bravery
Integrity
Inclusivity
Excellence
Innovation
What we stand for
Community Connection
We believe that the strength of our town lies in the bonds between its people. Our stories aim to foster these connections by celebrating local achievements and shedding light on the issues that matter to our residents.
Integrity and Independence
We are committed to maintaining editorial independence and integrity. We strive for balanced reporting and provide a fair representation of all sides of a story.
Championing Local Voices
We are here for the people of our local community. Whether it’s highlighting the success of local businesses, covering school events, or amplifying the voices of community leaders. We are proud to be a champion for our readers.
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Our Community Focus
We are dedicated to highlighting the voices, challenges, and successes of our local communities. Through in-depth reporting, feature stories, and investigative pieces, we strive to inform, uplift, and connect those in our distribution area. Explore the latest community stories below and see what’s happening near you.
Tourist from Cape Town missing in Northern Cape national park
A 66-year-old male tourist from Cape Town is missing in Augrabies Falls National Park after failing to return from a hike. Search efforts are ongoing.
Buurtwag bepleit vir R’ville probleme help oplos
‘n Gemeenskapsvergadering is twee weke gelede deur die polisie in Rawsonville gehou waar inwoners se grootste klagtes harde musiek ná ure, mense wat dronk in…
Talle tweelinge verras
‘n Haarkapper in Parkerstraat, Worcester, het begin kopkrap nadat hy met die soveelste tweeling in sy straat te doen gekry het. Shahied Matolla, wat al…
Our Team
Although a small team, Standard & Gazette is led by dedicated journalists who are passionate about providing meaningful news coverage to the people of Breede Valley and Langeberg.
Key team members:
- General Manager: Aletta Ellis – 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.
- Editor: Lise Beyers – With over 20 years of experience in journalism, Lise leads the editorial team with a commitment to fairness and local storytelling, keeping her finger on the pulse of Drakenstein.
- Journalist: Ronel van Jaarsveld – Ronel is a hard hitting journalist focussing on local government and bringing vibrant stories about the Breede Valley and Langeberg issues and it’s people to our readers, ensuring that every voice in the Valley’s are represented.
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Our Connection with Novus Media
We are proud to be part of the Novus Media Network, which connects local communities across South Africa. As part of a larger network, we maintain editorial independence while benefiting from the support and resources of a nationwide media organization. For information on our overarching policies, visit the Novus Media Policy Pages.
Join the Conversation
We thrive on community interaction. We encourage our readers to submit letters, share opinion pieces, and reach out to us with story ideas that reflect the spirit of our town.
Have a story idea or feedback for us? Contact Us Today and let us know how we can serve you better.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
Thank you for making us your trusted news source. Together, we can continue to keep our community informed, inspired, and connected.
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