From the first pitch meeting to the day the magazine lands in shops and mailboxes, each issue follows a set rhythm. Here is the timeline we work to, and the practical constraints that shape every story we publish.
This page lays out the practical side of our editorial process. It explains the steps we follow, the expectations we set, and the limits we work within. If you are reading a story or considering contributing, this is where we clear up the details.
When we say regional, we mean stories that start in a specific place. A taxi rank in Khayelitsha, a bakery in Graaff-Reinet, a neighbourhood watch in Makhanda. We do not generalise about a province or a town. We talk to the people who live there, and we let their words shape the piece. If a story does not have a clear location and named residents, it does not fit our format.
Each edition follows the same path. We start with a pitch that names the place and the people involved. Then we do field reporting, which means visiting the location and speaking with residents directly. After that, we fact-check names, dates, and municipal details against public records. Finally, we edit for clarity and tone. The whole cycle takes about three weeks from pitch to publication.
We stay away from national politics, celebrity news, and crime stories that do not involve a community response. We also avoid content related to gambling, cryptocurrency, and personal loans. Our focus is on everyday life, public systems, and the people who keep things running. If a topic does not serve that purpose, we leave it out.
We expect our readers to engage with the material, not just skim it. That means checking the dates for community meetings, reading the contacts at the end of each story, and sharing feedback when something is inaccurate. We correct errors promptly and note the changes at the bottom of the article. Your input keeps the reporting honest.
We do not publish anonymous sources, and we do not pay for interviews. We also do not guarantee that every pitch will become a story. Space in each edition is limited, and we prioritise pieces with the strongest local grounding. If we cannot verify a detail, we either cut it or mark it as unconfirmed. This keeps the magazine reliable.
If something on this page is unclear, or if you want to suggest a correction, we are easy to find. You can call us at +27(47)8556582 or write to info@statewidelines.com. Our office is at 6940 Wood Villages Suite 266, East Bernardshire, EC 6075. We read every message and reply within two working days.
Our reporters are spread across the provinces, and we know that a story often starts with a phone call or a note from a reader. Whether you have a tip about a municipal service that needs attention, a commuter route that deserves coverage, or an event that should be in the next edition, here is how to get hold of us.
We read every message that comes in. If your note is about a specific town or district, mention it in the subject line so it reaches the right person faster.
Our editorial office is open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00. You can expect a first reply within two working days. For time-sensitive items, such as a community meeting or a public hearing, send your note at least a week before the date so we can plan coverage.
If you are following up on an earlier message, please wait three working days before writing again. This helps us keep the queue manageable and give each enquiry proper attention.
Tell us what is happening in your street, your school, or your taxi rank. We are always looking for grounded stories that reflect daily life.
Email the news desk
info@statewidelines.comHave a public meeting, school event, or municipal consultation coming up? Send us the date, venue, and agenda, and we will list it in the next edition.
Call the editorial office
+27(47)8556582Spotted an error in a published story or want to add context to a report? Let us know and we will review it with the original reporter.
Write to the editor
info@statewidelines.comWe publish a selection of reader letters each month. Keep them under 250 words and include your town or suburb so we can place them properly.
Postal address
6940 Wood Villages Suite 266
East Bernardshire, EC 6075
Before you write, check whether your question is already answered in our reader guide.
Reader resourcesA magazine like Statewide Lines does not appear overnight. Between the first phone call to a source and the day the issue lands in your hands, there is a fixed rhythm of reporting, editing, and fact-checking. Here is the sequence we follow, month after month, and what you can expect at each stage.
Week 1
The editorial team gathers pitches from correspondents across the provinces. We decide which municipal meetings to cover, which commuter routes to ride, and which small businesses deserve a visit. Assignments go out with clear angles and a list of residents to contact.
Week 2
Reporters are on the ground, standing in taxi queues, sitting in council chambers, and knocking on doors. We gather direct quotes, verify names and dates, and take note of the small details that make a story feel real. Photographers document streets, markets, and daily routines.
Week 3
Raw notes become drafts. Editors check every figure, street name, and quoted statement against our records. When a source says a project is delayed, we ask for the reference number. When a resident recalls a date, we confirm it. Nothing goes to layout without a second pair of eyes.
Week 4
The issue is assembled with care given to headlines and pull quotes. A final proofread catches typos and awkward phrasing. The magazine goes to print and digital distribution, and subscribers receive their copy before the first of the month. Community meeting dates for the coming weeks are listed on the back page.
We work on a monthly cycle, but some stories take longer than a single issue. If a municipal report is delayed or a source is unavailable, we hold the piece until it can be told properly. Readers have told us they would rather wait for an accurate account than read a rushed one, and we agree. Corrections, when needed, are printed in the following issue without fuss.