THE People’s Paper is 20 today, 1 July.
Over the years, Daily Sun has given a voice to its readers, helping them with issues with Home Affairs, the police, hospitals and service delivery. SunReaders shared their views about the People’s Paper and how it has changed their lives.
- In Ekurhuleni, Sipho Luke (67) from Vosloorus said he bought the paper every day and got the nickname Mamgobozi as a result.
“This is a powerful paper,” he said.
- In Tshwane, Jabu Vilakazi said people called him Daily Sun because of his love for the paper.
The 56-year-old from Soshanguve said as soon as he woke up in the morning, he went to the nearest shop to buy a copy.
He said he had been reading the paper since it started.
- In Soweto, Thuli Sedibe (44) from Tshepisong said: “The SunTeam helped us bury our grandmother and inform our relatives. I will forever be grateful.”
Amos Ndou (68) from Braamfischerville said the paper helped him find a bed when he was admitted to hospital.
“The newspaper also raised my children. They received educational content from it.”
Duke Khuma (51) said he started reading the paper on the first day it came out.
“For its birthday, I hope the paper will continue with its great work and fantastic sport news. I would also like to read more about substance abuse among the youth and interventions,” he said.
Nompumelelo Khoza (19) from Meadowlands, Soweto, said: “I mostly read the digital platform. I find the stories hilarious. I’’d like to see more news affecting young people and opportunities for them.”
Thando Masondo (22) from Meadowlands said his father introduced him to Daily Sun.
“It has become one of my favourites because of the memories from my childhood,” said Thando.
- In North West, Daniel Skosana (70) from Ledig Village, outside Rustenburg, said he had been reading the paper for 20 years. “I love stories that speak about the reality of our society,” he said.
- In Mpumalanga, taxi drivers Given Makamu (47) and Abednigo Mnisi (32), who operate between Thulamahashe and Bushbuckridge, said they had been loyal readers since 2007.
Given said: “We are thankful to SunSeller Fini Delibo, who always makes sure we receive our copies early.”
Amukelani Mashaba (29), Meisie Ndlhovu (55) and Cecilia Mandlazi (53) from Thulamahashe said they never missed the paper.
Meisie said: “I love reading local news. It has also helped me improve my English.”
Amukelani said the paper helped her get a distinction in English.
Patrick Masilela (33) said he started reading the paper in 2011. “It has helped me a great deal to know what is happening locally,” he said.
Vusi Shakoane from Mpumalanga said : “My day is not complete without reading the paper.”
- In the Free State, Khekhe Sekere (62) from QwaQwa said he had been reading Daily Sun since it started. He said he got very depressed when he couldn’t get the paper during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 as distribution was suspended in his province.
- In the Eastern Cape, Nokwanda Mazomba (65) said: “The paper has been part of my life as it talks the language we understand and tells the story of our people ekasi.”
Sibonoang Stenane (27) said: “I was introduced to Daily Sun by my grandmother and I have never looked back.
“Although the paper is no longer available in our local shops, we are still able to follow it on social media and the website.”
- In Cape Town, madala Michael Kendle (65) from Philippi said he had been reading the newspaper since it started and he loved the stories.
Madala said when they were struggling to renew their foster grant for two children, Daily Sun intervened.
Buyiswa Manono said the paper gave her peace of mind by helping her find a rehab for her drug addict son.
“He later ran away from rehab but the SunTeam did its job,” she said.
- In Limpopo, Jimmy Makhubela (67) from zone 1 in Seshego said he started reading the paper in 2002 and couldn’t go a day without it.
