Mindful Media Publishing to Publish Southern Explorer Silver Jubilee Edition

The Southern Explorer has been established as the official route guide magazine for the KZN South Coast endorsed by all major tourism entities. In 2024, the 25th edition of this sought-after magazine will be produced – a milestone worthy of reflection and celebration.

“The success of the Southern Explorer can primarily be attributed to the support of its members and advertisers, who have made it possible to print this valued magazine over the last 24 years, as well as South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise [SCTIE] for its significant financial contributions to the production of the magazine,” said Debra Robins, Mindful Media’s owner and publisher.

”We would also like to honour the publishers, editors, and contributors who have gone before, for their dedication to the success of the Southern Explorer Magazine. The consistent support of SCTIE, Tourism KZN and, most notably, the unwavering commitment of the Southern Explorer Association [SEA] committees past and present, have been integral in the longevity of this valued publication.”

Mindful Media Publishing, which has a proven track record in producing and publishing magazines, has been appointed by the committee. Working together, the team is crafting and publishing the 25-year Silver Jubilee Southern Explorer Magazine in print, digital, and online formats. The print magazine will be available in the first week of May to coincide with the 2024 Africa Travel Indaba, 14-16 May at the ICC Durban. 

“We are delighted to have the honour of publishing the Silver Jubilee and 25th Edition of The Southern Explorer Magazine, this long-standing and valued route-based publication. The nine routes and businesses on these routes will be showcased via a targeted multi-platform distribution strategy, with effective advertising and engaging content,”continued Robins.

Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE commented: “We’d like to extend our congratulations to the Southern Explorer team on this impressive milestone and we are looking forward to further promoting the KZN South Coast’s tourism offerings together. The region is home to so many incredible assets, from the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province and two world-class dive sites, to being positioned as The Golf Coast. Through our collective efforts, we will continue to drive tourism to the beautiful KZN South Coast.”

Change implies making an essential and beneficial difference
This commitment to change has been concreted by the current SEA committee whose members have made a major impact by contributing to a seed funding programme in their personal capacities. The revenue provided is integral in enabling the delivery of a new digital strategy with a multi-platform digital presence, supporting digital advertising response tracking through specifically targeted channels, for both the SEA advertising members and corporate advertisers. This a huge effort to get tourism back on track, in collaboration with important tourism stakeholders in the region, at affordable prices.

What does that mean for advertising members and corporates?

Affordable advertising costs aligned with South African niche print publication norms, thereby encouraging accessibility, inclusivity, and equity. This, supported by significant digital reach, offers exceptional value.

Anyone interested in attending, or those interested in membership, can WhatsApp an email address to 072 573 9361 or email [email protected].

Southern Explorer® is a registered brand and The Southern Explorer KZN™ is trademarked as such, by the Southern Explorer Association PBO 9124/559/16/3 (SEA.

The SEA Executive Committee includes Joan Gallagher, Mandy Massey, Howard Kelly, Andrew Ramos, Chris Viljoen, Leonard Gomo, Peter Tshidi and Sam Wenger

Web and Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/thesouthernexplorerkzn      

About KZN South Coast Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series. Issued on behalf of:  South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)