Funky lifestyle magazine launches in Isolezwe

Announcing another first for KwaZulu-Natal’s burgeoning isiZulu language daily, Isolezwe – a glossy lifestyle magazine titled, SiyaPhola!

The first edition of the high quality mag appears this last Friday. As the English translation of its name – Chill Out, suggests, it’s all about fun, fashion and how to get a slice – at the very least – of the action.

“It’s a win-win for both advertisers and readers,” says Isolezwe Acting Editor, Sazi Hadebe. “Readers can now look forward to receiving a quality magazine free with their newspaper at the end of every month.”

Conceptualised by Independent N, SiyaPhola will provide a leisure read plus give advertisers a great opportunity to connect with Isolezwe’s hundreds of thousands of readers and inform them about what’s hot in the market place.

“For advertisers, SiyaPhola provides a quality magazine environment but with popular newspaper reach – especially in the LSM 5-7 segment where Isolezwe has huge appeal,” says Dardagan.

Judging by the advertising the first edition has received, the mag should grow rapidly from its 16-page launch edition.

“There will also always be something to win – this month it’s one of six bathroom sanware and accessory sets valued at R10 000 each and a chance to go out and about in Durban with SA film stars,” says Dardagan.

“Month end, when there’s some extra cash around, is an excellent time to chill. Isolezwe readers – many of whom are young, vibrant and relatively high-spending achievers – can look forward to a relevant and entertaining look at life in all its facets in KwaZulu-Natal, including a round-up of must-haves, stories on local celebs, and the latest fashion and event news.”

SiyaPhola will be a minimum of 16 pages on high gloss paper with an initial print order of 140 000.

“As far as I know, SiyaPhola will be the only regular glossy magazine in an isiZulu-language newspaper – so it’s another first for Isolezwe,” says Dardagan.

“The SiyaPhola team is very excited about the magazine coming together so well and can’t wait for the June 29 launch date.  We’re confident it will enjoy the same success as Isolezwe.”

Published from Monday to Friday, Isolezwe sells 117 266 copies a day and is read by 912 000 adults. The Sunday edition, Isolezwe ngeSonto sells 85 575 copies while the Saturday edition launched in August last year is selling 69 695 copies a week.