Hip mag celebrates first birthday and goes mobile

A Shuttleworth Foundation initiative, the title is further supported by the Hip2B² TV show on SABC2, and other marketing activities, such as the new Hip2B² mobizine - a magazine custom-made to be read on cellphones. This technology is new in South Africa and Hip2B² will be first to market along with other Atoll Media offerings.

The magazine team also has several new regulars up its sleeves, dealing with a range of subjects from the environment to entrepreneurial pursuits. Some of these concepts are available for sponsorship to the right brands looking to play a part in inspiring the youth.

Since its June 2006 issue, the Hip2B² magazine has increased its print run to 150 000 copies and the number of high schools - to which it distributes free - to 440 across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape.

The magazine's pillars are based around the promotion of maths, science and technology, but in an entertaining manner that encourage the learners to ask questions about the world in which they live, and even challenge established concepts.

With the title reaching over 750 000 readers, the goal of helping equip a generation of learners with the tools and attitude to make a difference in this country is well on track, according to the publishers. "The genuine excitement that the mag is generating with learners is probably the hardest thing to communicate to people out there," says associate publisher Deane Nothard.

"We receive calls, emails and faxes from schools every week thanking us for the mag and asking for more copies to cater to the demand. Not to mention all the correspondence from the learners themselves. It really is encouraging to know that the mag is hitting the right balance of entertainment with an educational slant."