About us
To Inform, Engage and Empower Local
Communities
Paarl Post has been the voice of the Drakenstein community for decades, serving as a reliable and familiar presence in the lives of our readers. Established with the goal of keeping our community informed and connected, we’ve grown into one of the most trusted local news sources in the region. From municipal updates and school achievements to human interest features and business developments, our coverage is rooted in the real stories that shape daily life. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to bring Drakenstein the latest news, impactful stories, and insightful opinions that reflect the heartbeat of the community we proudly serve.

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.
Expand Your Reach Across Our Community Publications
Promote your business and get national coverage across multiple trusted local publications.
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.
-
Paarl-Franschhoek charities receive R2,2 million from Val de Vie Foundation
Ten NGOs in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley received R2.2 million from the Val de Vie Foundation to support education, entrepreneurship, and job creation, enhancing community development…
-
Research: Walking 7 000 steps a day a huge boost to health
People who walk 7 000 steps a day have a dramatically lower risk of a broad range of serious health problems, the largest review of…
-
Woman convicted of culpable homicide following fatal dog attack
A 43-year-old Bloemfontein woman has been convicted of culpable homicide by the Bloemfontein Regional Court, in connection with the death of her neighbour’s 8-year-old son,…
-
Final EIA report for new airport outside Durbanville, Cape Town submitted
The final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and supporting documentation was submitted on 11 July, concluding the public-participation period for the Cape Winelands Airport outside…
Our Team
Paarl Post is led by a dedicated team of journalists who are passionate about providing meaningful news coverage to the people of Drakenstein.
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.
- Publisher: Justin Cupido – With nearly 20 years of experience in the media, Justin is skilled in sales, marketing and corporate communication.
- Editor: Maryke Swart – With over 14 years of experience in the newspaper industry, Maryke has had the privilege of working in the vibrant newsrooms of various community newspapers. Her deep passion for community journalism stems from its critical role in fostering local engagement, promoting transparency, and providing a platform for diverse voices. It has always been her vision and commitment to deliver high-quality print newspapers that reflect the heart of our communities. At the same time, she recognizes the importance of embracing digital innovation to cater to Weslander’s growing online audience. She is dedicated to finding a harmonious balance between traditional print media and modern digital platforms, ensuring that stories reach and resonate with readers across all mediums.

Never miss an update
Subscribe to our newsletter
Become a Subscriber
Join our community and get more out of your experience! As a subscriber, you can post content, engage in discussions by commenting on articles, and manage your newsletter subscriptions to stay updated on the topics that matter most to you. Sign up today and be part of the conversation!
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.