Novus Media expands with announcement of new Weekly Afrikaans Newspaper Die Papier.

New publication set to start on March 6, 2026, strengthening company’s commitment to diverse South African communities.

Novus Media, a division of JSE listed Novus Holdings, announced the launch of Die Papier today, a weekly Afrikaans newspaper that will begin publication on March 6, 2026. This strategic expansion adds to the position of Novus Media in the print media market, where it continues to acquire and build titles that offer value to selected target audiences.

About Die Papier
Die Papier will be published every Friday in both print and digital formats, delivering comprehensive coverage of the week’s news and the weekend’s events, community stories, business developments, sport, culture and lifestyle content specifically tailored for Afrikaans-speaking readers across South Africa.
André van der Veen, CEO of Novus Holdings, says that the opportunity to develop and support printed publications in focused markets remains attractive, but it requires a new way of working and a detailed focus on reader requirements. The team at Novus Media is excited to be able to launch Die Papier, and will combine their print and digital expertise to deliver daily digital news combined with a weekly newspaper. For many Afrikaans readers there is a strong desire to read news in a newspaper format, and we are confident that the Afrikaans community will support Die Papier under the leadership of Esmé Smit and Barnard Beukman.

“Die Papier is significant in our evolution, as it is our first national news publication,” said Esmé Smit, Director of Novus Media. “We recognised the opportunity in the market for quality Afrikaans journalism that truly connects nationally with communities in both print and digital format. This publication will honor the rich tradition of Afrikaans media while embracing modern techniques and digital innovation. The launch of Die Papier addresses the growing demand for quality Afrikaans content. With over 7 million Afrikaans speakers in South Africa, the publication aims to serve as a vital link between readers and their community.”

Barnard Beukman, who has been appointed as the first editor, adds: “The decision to establish a new newspaper marks a historic moment. It restores the persistent need among Afrikaans readers, also as South Africans, as described by Arthur Miller, an American writer: ‘A good newspaper is a nation in dialogue with itself.’ ”

According to Beukman, the unique characteristic of Die Papier within the Afrikaans media landscape will be its journalism of quality, rather than mere reporting. “We will shape a new home together with our readers, as issues that interest and concern them will be at the centre. Younger readers will also feel at home, as we aim to bridge the gap to interests and formats they currently only experience on social media. I kindly ask the Afrikaans community to support us and help us establish the newspaper as a mirror of their world.”

About Novus Media
Founded in 2024, Novus Media, a division of Novus Holdings, has established itself as a multimedia organisation serving diverse communities across South Africa. Currently, the company publishes 21 hyperlocal community newspapers across South Africa, Rooi Rose, Soccer Laduma and Kick Off magazine, along with multiple high-engagement digital platforms, all committed to delivering quality journalism.
Looking ahead

The launch of Die Papier is part of Novus Media’s broader strategy to expand its reach and deepen community connections. The company will leverage synergies between its existing publications and the new Afrikaans weekly to create a media platform for brand owners to engage with the Afrikaans community and to provide enhanced content for readers.

“March 6, 2026, will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” added Smit. “We’re investing in community storytelling and informed citizenship, while building bridges across South Africa’s diverse landscape. In today’s world, local journalism contributes to democratic discourse – and that’s exactly what Die Papier will be.”