The first ABC quarter audit of Sunday Zulu newspaper Isolezwe ngeSonto, launched in March, shows the newspaper is off to a good start and is gaining popularity in Durban and KZN, Independent Newspapers KZN reported.

The newspaper saw an average circulation of 42,489 in the quarter, and beginning in August, which has been a big news month for the area, circulation has risen into the high 40,000s.

Isolezwe ngeSonto is targeted at middle-market Zulu speakers in KwaZulu-Natal, Brian Porter, general manager of the newspaper, told Independent Newspapers in an article posted by Biz-Community Africa.

“Good results in the first audit can be attributed to an on-target editorial mix and ensuring the newspaper is available where people spend their Sundays,” Porter said.

The newspaper covers sport, entertainment and lifestyle in addition to news, in an effort to cover issues relevant to the Sunday reader. Activities, in-store promotions and prizes, such as a chance to win cars, have also been added, Independent Newspapers reported.