When 041Online turned one, we were still figuring things out – new, scrappy, excited, and honestly just hoping someone out there was reading what we were building. And then, in that very first year, we were named Best Emerging Community Digital Magazine 2024 – South Africa.
I remember sitting with that news and thinking, “So the Bay does see us. The Bay has our back.”
Now, at the end of 2025, looking back at the people who have supported us, shared our stories, given us tips, sent us DMs, partnered with us, invited us into their spaces and championed us from all corners of Nelson Mandela Bay and beyond, it truly feels like a full-circle moment.
Our 041Online End-of-Year Party, held at Enchanted Alchemy, gave our team a chance to celebrate together. It wasn’t just a party. It was a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, the work we’ve put in, and the people who make it all possible. From laughter and conversations to quiet moments of gratitude, the night reminded me how much this platform has grown – and how much I’ve grown with it.
We started as a Nelson Mandela Bay magazine, and somehow, without losing our roots, we stretched into Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban too. We told stories that reached thousands, welcomed new writers, doubled our article output, attended events across the country, partnered with both big brands and local gems, and showed up every single day.
Every achievement and every milestone came with the same feeling. NMB is behind us, and we will always be for NMB.
I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible brands and partners who have supported 041Online this year:
- Mount Sinai Water Well
- So Spliffy
- Balancing Basics Holistic
- Eat Cake Confectionery
- Woolworths Beauty (Walmer Park)
- Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
- Green Fairy Products
- Alvis Drift Wine
- Chateau Del Rey
- Kaycee Cakes
A special thank you to Woolworths and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, who have been long-running supporters of 041Online and continue to believe in our mission.
Today, we are a team of 17 dedicated storytellers, supported by contributors who join us for special projects, interviews, photography and city events. Our team brings together writers, editors, videographers, photographers, designers, students and local voices, all united in a shared vision of community storytelling.
I’d also be remiss not to mention our full-time social media manager, Zaheerah Smith, who has made sure people are actually aware of the work we put out. On all social media channels, she ensures our stories land exactly where they need to.
Meet our full team here: TEAM believe me, there are men on the team as well.
As we move into our third year, our goals are clear: more community stories, more local talent and youth development, more city expansions, more national partnerships, more positive storytelling, more consistency, more impact.
041Online has grown beyond anything I could have imagined, and I am grateful every day for the readers, partners and team that make it possible.
Here’s to 2026 a year where we grow louder, reach further and stay grounded in the Bay that built us.
With love and gratitude
Eleanor Douglas-Meyers
Managing Editor, 041Online
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