Local publishing house fits 'excellence' bill

The 96-page glossy magazine, to be distributed locally and abroad later this year, will provide the communications platform for the luxury venture, which boasts world number one tennis champion Roger Federer, golfer Nick Price and SA Cricket Captain Graeme Smith as property owners.

The Pezula magazine will join a New Media portfolio of more than 18 publications for clients ranging from international brands Time Out and DaimlerChrysler to Multichoice and Woolworths. With this contract, New Media entrenches its position as South Africa's foremost contract publisher.

"We are very pleased to have New Media on board," says Pezula chairman Keith Stewart. "Pezula is already the most upmarket real estate and resort development in the southern hemisphere. Our facilities will rank with those of the best developments anywhere in the world and our magazine has to reflect this. There was no hesitation when it came to deciding with whom we should work on this next project. We feel that New Media is a publishing house whose exceptionally high standards are on a par with ours."

Bridget McCarney, managing director of New Media, considers it a privilege to work on such a prestigious account. She adds: "Keith Stewart is as passionate about preserving the glorious natural abundance of Pezula as he is about offering the most extraordinarily indulgent experience to local and international guests and residents. His primary motivation is to create a Pezula culture, a culture that delivers excellence and cares enough to make a difference, a culture congruent with the natural beauty of the resort. Our magazine will reflect his philosophy whilst serving as primary information source for Pezula."

One of New Media's executive directors and co-founders, Irna van Zyl, will edit the magazine. Her award winning editorial team includes creative director Anton Sassenberg and Project Manager Helena Gavera. Contributors for the first issue include award winning journalists and photographers such as Annemarie Meintjes, Dook, Larry Gould, Chris Marais, Andrea Vinassa and Julia Lloyd.

Van Zyl is past editor of INSIG (1998-2002) and current publisher of INSIG, as well as the décor magazine VISI, the annual food guide Eat In, Mercedes and Woolworths TASTE. She firmly believes that the new magazine will act as a key marketing tool for Pezula: "If a magazine is created specifically for its target market, nothing can beat it for entrenching the brand, fostering good relationships, adding value and creating interest and awareness."

The first print run of the magazine is 15 000. Launch date is 15 December 2004. Distribution will be to hotel guests, residents on the estate, shareholders and potential local and international buyers.