Community journalists spend a lot of time reporting on problems.
Crime. Traffic. Service delivery failures. Fires. Storm damage. Court cases.
Those stories matter because they affect the communities we serve.
But they're not the only stories worth telling.
Every day, across Cape Town's suburbs and neighbourhoods, there are people working quietly to improve the lives of others. They run feeding schemes, coach sports teams, organise clean-ups, support vulnerable residents, raise funds, mentor young people, and step in where help is needed.
Most do it without recognition.
This Madiba Month, Cape Community Media wants to shine a spotlight on those unsung community heroes.
Throughout July, our reporters will be highlighting local people and organisations making a positive difference in the communities we cover.
As part of this campaign, our goal is to tell 67 stories of service, kindness, and community action – a tribute to the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service.
We're not looking for celebrities or public figures.
We're looking for the people who get things done.
The volunteer who never misses a shift.
The coach who gives young people a place to belong.
The resident who notices a problem and does something about it.
The community worker who goes the extra mile.
The organisation changing lives behind the scenes.
And we need your help to find them.
Community newspapers have always relied on their readers to point us towards the stories that matter most. This campaign is no different.
If there's someone in your area whose efforts deserve recognition, tell us about them.
Who are they?
What are they doing?
Why does their work matter?
Some stories will be big.
Some stories will be small.
All of them will matter.
Because communities are built by people who care enough to get involved.
The best stories are often the ones that haven't been told yet.
Help us find them.
Nominate someone making a difference
Post your nomination in the comments on our social media pages or email us at murray.swart@acm.co.za.
Tell us:
- Who they are
- Where they make a difference
- Why they deserve recognition
If we decide to feature your nominee, we'll contact you directly for any additional information we may need.
Throughout July, Cape Community Media will be sharing 67 stories of community champions, local organisations and residents whose efforts are making a real difference in the areas we serve.
The person you nominate might never ask for recognition.
That's exactly why we're asking you to nominate them.