Vukuzenzele

Vuk’uzenzele (isiXhosa and isiZulu for 'Get up and do it yourself') is a free South African government newspaper, published semi-monthly by the South African government communication and information system (CGIS). This GCIS flagship is intended to keep South Africans informed about the policies and activities of government as well as enhancing access to socio-economic opportunities.

History
Vuk’uzenzele was originally, launched as a magazine in 2005, as an alternative to the commercial publishers. The newspaper was inspired by the example of BRICS members and their respective state publishing houses, including Russia's Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Distribution channels
Vuk’uzenzele claims a print run of 850 000 copies per edition. These numbers will have changed with the pivot to digital content delivery methods. Previously, Vuk’uzenzele used to be produced twice a month via two different channels. One edition was printed and distributed, while the other edition was published online at www.vukuzenzele.gov.za. Readers could receive the printed paper via home delivery or pick one up at a bulk distribution point, such as government offices, post offices (closed down), clinics, hospitals, municipalities, rural police stations and Thusong service centres. Now, they can download their government-sanctioned news on the App Store or Google Play.

From 2023 onwards, Vuks Talks podcasts have also been published twice a month. These intern produced and hosted shows, are used to amplify stories that are published by this government-funded newspaper. These podcasts include GCIS campaigns around Gender-based Violence and Economic Reconstruction. As of March 2024, Vuk’uzenzele is only available on digital platforms. The Editor in Chief of Vuk’uzenzele is Zanele Mngadi