Change is good. All businesses come up with new logos, ideas and strategies.

I hope Sowetan will not lose its purpose of being the voice of the people. It was, and still is our hope.

I used Sowetan to scare off Kaizer Chiefs defender Sylvester Kole during our time.

He would be assigned to keep an eagle eye on me and I would tease him during our game that he was a fool to move around the ground next to me.

I would tell him that he can do that for 89 minutes, but I will get one chance and score.

Sowetan will come out on Monday saying Jomo scored the winning goal for Pirates, not that Sylvester marked Jomo tight for 89 minutes.

Kole would be blamed by Chiefs fans for letting me score - that is the power Sowetan possesses.

You know it was, and I suppose still is, a status to have a copy of Sowetan under your armpits when walking in the street to a meeting or talking to people. Even the klevas from the township identify with this newspaper.

Your day is not complete without a copy of Sowetan, but like I said, please don't let it lose that appeal.

It also plays a big role in marketing Soweto, which is known worldwide for having produced the first democratically elected black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

WAYDE VAN NIEKERK

Sowetan means a lot to me because as an athlete, media coverage helps in terms of building one's own brand as well as inspiring others.

With all the great articles and positive words of encouragement, I thank Sowetan for all the love and the opportunity for helping me share my story with the country and help inspire the next generation.

I understand your core market is football, but you still find a good balance with the coverage of athletics, rugby and cricket.

I'm looking forward to the new-look Sowetan!