On March 16, 2005, something happened that would change the media landscape of Cape Town forever.
On this day, the very first edition of the Daily Voice hit the streets – with a bang.
The Kaapse favourite koerantjie, the first local English tabloid newspaper, brought readers a new kind of news.
People on the Cape Flats got to read about daily news in their own communities, in their own language.
The Daily Voice gave voiceless mense a platform where they could rek their bekke, tell their stories, air their dirty laundry and share their views.
With our “skrik vir niks” motto, we’ve gone where others have feared to tread – deep into gangland, and to violent crime scenes that would send chills up your spine.
We’ve taken on dik dinge, politicians, the rich and famous, making plenty of enemies.
Back in the day, we made a name for ourselves with our reporting on shocking court cases like the Dina Rodrigues and Najwa Dirk trials.
We tell it like it is, and don’t hold back when it comes to bringing you the reality of life in this city.
We are loud (our headlines are world-famous!) and have truly made our Voice heard in our areas.
We are on shop shelves, on street poles, in taxis and on trains, on factory floors, under aunties’ arms, on your mobile phone, on Facebook – oral waar jy kyk.
ONS SKRIK VIR NIKS: Editor Taariq Halim with the rest of the Daily Voice team.
After 12 years in the business, we can proudly say that we’ve become as much a part of Kaapse culture as the klopse, fish and chips and klawerjas.
As a new kid on the media block, there have been growing pains.
We have made mistakes and upset and offended people.
And we have learnt from our mistakes.
All in all, it has been an absolute privilege to work for the Daily Voice team, and be a part of our readers’ lives.
But the best part of the job? Making a difference in people’s lives.
Over the years, we have helped so many people.
Life is tough, mense are sukkeling, and we have tried to do what we can to make life easier.
We have put destitute people in homes, we have protected women and children from violence and abuse.
On a daily basis, people call in with all sorts of problems: mense with broken water pipes, exorbitant water and electricity bills; people who are being discriminated against; and children who are being bullied at school.
With your help – our kind-hearted readers – we have eased the suffering of families who have lost their homes and loved ones.
We have raised funds for our talented musicians and sports people to help them reach for their dreams.
Just this week, mense opened their hearts again to come to the aid of devastated newlyweds, who had their big day wrecked by a horrible wedding planner.
People have offered cash, a venue, kos, flowers, and someone even offered to be the DJ.
Can you believe it? Onse mense.
You are all superstars and you inspire us at the Daily Voice to be better people.
We are humbled and honoured to be a part of your community, and to serve you.
Thank you for being a part of the Daily Voice family for 12 years.
We look forward to many more wonderful years with you.
HISTORY: The Daily Voice's first edition