The launch of a newsletter with a mission to serve Nelson Mandela Bay

Welcome to Baywatch. The name’s cheeky. The mission isn’t.

This isn’t just the launch of a newsletter — it’s the beginning of a newsroom built to listen first, report with purpose and serve the people of Nelson Mandela Bay.

We’re building something unapologetically local — a newsroom rooted right here because we see what’s wrong in this metro, but also what’s right. And we know what’s worth fighting for.

Service delivery is a mess. Hospitals are struggling. Streetlights don’t work. And too many politicians seem more interested in looking after themselves than the people they were elected to serve.

On the flip side, there are so many people who haven’t given up — and won’t! People who show up, speak out and believe in the power of journalism to help make this place better.

That’s why we’re here. We live here too. We walk the same broken pavements, drive the same dark streets and feel the same frustration when pylons collapse or sewage spills go ignored.

We care just as deeply as you do about what happens next.

We’re starting small — two newsletters a week — but we’re building fast. And while our focus is firmly on Nelson Mandela Bay, we’ll occasionally zoom out to Eastern Cape and national stories — especially when what happens there ripples through your streets.

The goal? A daily newsletter that keeps you informed, engaged and empowered. 

Journalism by the people, for the people.

And speaking of people who fight the good fight — meet Estelle Ellis, our chief reporter. Many of you already know her work. Estelle doesn’t just cover stories; she gets to the gut of them.

She’s already shaking things up in this city – exposing corruption, amplifying unheard voices and holding power to account with grit, heart and a whole lot of staying power. 

She’s a solid foundation, and we’re building from there.

We’re here to investigate, inform and inspire action. But just as importantly, we’re here to listen.

Thanks for signing up to the newsletter. You can do so here if you have not already. You’re not just a foundational part of our newsroom — you’re part of something bigger: a community that knows Nelson Mandela Bay deserves better. 

And who knows it starts with the truth.

Feel free to get in touch with us. 

Angela Daniels, Bureau Chief, can be contacted at [email protected]

Estelle Ellis, Chief Reporter, can be contacted at [email protected]

Send your story tips to [email protected]