About De Kaap Echo
De Kaap Echo is the online voice of the De Kaap Valley (Barberton) and nearby towns, dedicated to celebrating local life, stories, and heritage beyond the headlines.
Your community. Your story.
Launched on April 13, 2025, under the Africa InTouch News banner, De Kaap Echo quickly gained community support. Just under three months later, it now stands proudly as an independent publication with its own dedicated website.
The idea behind De Kaap Echo had been in discussion since 2019. As a long-standing vision of Anchen Coetzee, it was shaped by a desire to create a space for community storytelling in the De Kaap Valley. Today, it forms part of a growing family of regional and niche publications under the iOlogue Media umbrella, alongside Karoo Times, The Travel Thread, Rivier Rekord, and Flip the Market. These platforms are supported by a dedicated team that has worked together for nearly a decade.
What We Echo
We shine a spotlight on the region’s people, places, and history. Unlike mainstream outlets, saturated with hard news, we focus on meaningful community storytelling that reflects the heartbeat of the De Kaap Valley and its people.
The Echo Ensemble
- Anchen Coetzee, founder and CEO of iOlogue Media, was the final editor of the Barberton Times office until its closure in mid-2016. Following the closure, she established Africa InTouch, the first of several titles that would evolve into what is now iOlogue Media. Since then, she has led the company in delivering quality brand content across genres globally.
- Lynette Spencer, editor of De Kaap Echo, and the face of the publication, brings deep local insight and a passion for the written word. Formerly known as Lynette Louw, she once served as editor of the Barberton Times. After returning to her teaching career, she continued contributing as a senior content writer at iOlogue Media and has remained an invaluable part of the team for many years.
- Christien Visagie, rep for De Kaap Echo, has a long history of working with people and building community projects. Having lived and worked in the Lowveld for decades, she knows Barberton and its people well and brings a deep understanding of local needs to her role. As a former business owner, she also understands the challenges local entrepreneurs face. While De Kaap Echo is her main focus, she also represents iOlogue Media and Africa InTouch News.
- Team iOlogue Media, while not involved with De Kaap Echo, remain part of the broader support network. Whether it’s writing, editing, research or general media expertise, they will assist with any of our publications and its clients if necessary. Their skills and insight help ensure that everything reflects the same care, quality, and integrity that defines iOlogue Media.
The Echo Ethos
- Community over clicks: We are not driven by chasing traffic or viral clicks. Our priority is honest, purpose-driven stories that add real value to our readers and advertisers. We want people to feel connected, stirred, and proud when they read De Kaap Echo's articles. Whether it's a piece of history, a hidden gem, or a neighbour doing something great, our goal is to spark human emotion, celebrate place, and remind people why their town matters.
- People over profit: We believe in transparency and integrity. We support local businesses by giving them a strong, professional media presence without inflated costs. With a team of experienced editors, journalists, and writers in the iOlogue Media team, we offer quality media services at fair rates.
Why Barberton?
Barberton, once the economic heart of the Lowveld and home to South Africa’s first stock exchange, carries a rich and proud legacy. De Kaap Echo honours this heritage by capturing the town’s vibrant spirit and sharing the stories that matter.
De Kaap Echo is more than a news site. It's a platform for connection, celebration, and preserving the identity of a unique and historic region. Join us in bringing Barberton’s stories to life, and if you're a local business, let us help you tell yours.
Your community. Your story.