A year of telling Barberton’s stories again
One year ago, De Kaap Echo was just an idea. Today, it is a growing voice for Barberton and the De Kaap Valley.
A year ago, on April 13, 2025, two women took a leap of faith. Both with a journalistic background and being past editors of the much loved and enjoyed Barberton Times, it was time for a new beginning.
With little more than determination, a belief in community, and a passion for storytelling, Anchen Coetzee and Lynette Spencer set out to revive something Barberton had been without for far too long, its own voice.
For years, the town existed without a dedicated newspaper. The stories of its people, its triumphs, its struggles, and its everyday moments went largely untold or unnoticed beyond small circles. Barberton, rich in history and character, deserved better.
And so, De Kaap Echo was born.
What started as an idea, perhaps even a risk, has grown into a platform that once again connects a community. Over the past year, De Kaap Echo has not only reported on events but has helped rebuild a sense of belonging. It has reminded residents that their stories matter.
As we stated, De Kaap Echo is: Your community. Your story. De Kaap Echo shares real stories & community heritage about the De Kaap Valley.
From human interest features and heritage pieces to lifestyle articles, the publication has become a digital gathering place. It has celebrated local achievements, mourned losses alongside families, highlighted challenges, and shone a light on the everyday heroes who quietly shape the Barberton and greater De Kaap Valley community.
Importantly, it has also restored something intangible but deeply needed, trust in local storytelling.
Community journalism is not just about headlines. It is about presence. It is about being there when it matters, telling stories with care and integrity. Over the past year, that commitment has been evident in every article published.
The journey has not been without its challenges. Building a publication from the ground up requires resilience, long hours, and unwavering belief, especially in a space where traditional print media has declined and digital platforms are constantly evolving.
Yet, despite these challenges, De Kaap Echo has grown. On Facebook alone we have more than 1.2K followers, built organically, with people who chose to follow, not because they were pushed or paid to.
It has found its footing, built a loyal readership, and, most importantly, re-established a connection between people and their town. Businesses once again have a platform to reach their community. Residents once again have a place where their voices can be heard.
This milestone is not only about a publication turning one-year-old. It is about a community rediscovering itself.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of readers, contributors, and the broader Barberton community. Every shared article, every comment, every message of encouragement has played a role in shaping what De Kaap Echo has become.
As the publication enters its second year, the focus remains clear: to continue telling the stories that matter. To dig deeper. To celebrate louder. To support stronger.
Barberton is more than just a town, it is a living, breathing collection of stories, and those stories deserve to be told.
This is only the beginning. Watch this space for the way forward that will become clear within the next couple of months.
If you have not subscribed yet, do so now at dekaapecho.co.za. Download the app to take you directly to the website and have the articles appear right there on your phone, to reread whenever you want too. Follow us on Facebook.
A special request or, maybe rather a reminder: Support us through advertising your business, and let us know what your school, church, club is planning so that we can be sure it appears in our calendar.
One year in, De Kaap Echo is still growing, still learning, and still committed.
𝓛𝔂𝓷𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮.
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