Embracing and showcasing the country charm of Stanford in the best way possible.

Stanford is a quaint heritage village steeped in history. It’s a two-hour drive from Cape Town and is in close proximity to the splendid Cape Whale Coast. It boasts the perfect combination of country atmosphere and small-town living. Surrounded by the most exquisite natural beauty in terms of its fynbos, floral and birding reserves, the lagoon, majestic mountains, the many waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous scenery, it’s easy to see why people from far and wide travel to this little village, known for its warm and inviting hospitality.

The Stanford Spectator publication is written, photographed and created by the community for the community. After all, a community publication is about creating dialogue among those who live and work in the very houses and streets of the community it serves.

As we see it here at the Stanford News Agency, the only way forward is for like-minded people and businesses within Stanford to come together as a communication hub for not only us, but for neighbouring visitors and tourists, too. Our aim: to embrace and showcase the country charm of Stanford in the best way possible.

Mission Statement

Our mission at Stanford News Agency is to be a trusted source of local news, information and advertising content that is both useful and valuable to the readers we serve within our community.

Vision Statement

Our vision at Stanford News Agency is to unite the people of, as well as visitors to, our village by means of an up to date and credible magazine publication and information hub.

Core Values

Several of the sugarbird’s attributes echo our core values here at the Stanford News Agency:

  • Adaptability – an ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

  • Awareness – paying attention to what’s going on around us.

  • Communication – sharing what we know, openly and effectively.

  • Community – prioritising connections and commitments to our community.

  • Credibility – by being a trusted source of information, we will foster credibility within the community.

  • Curiosity – an inquisitive way of thinking that includes exploration, discovery, and learning.

  • Impact – leaving a lasting and positive impact on people from the stories we cover.

  • Independence – an ability to make autonomous decisions even if those decisions sometimes go against the grain.

  • Quick response – without compromising on accuracy, quality, or thoroughness.

  • Respect – for the rights, differences, and dignity of others.

Our Sugarbird Mascot

The Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer) is a resident of Stanford and a frequent visitor to many of our local gardens. An important pollinator for many fynbos plants, these busy little birds have loads of character and spunk. They’re inquisitive, quick and can be rather chatty. With a long, wavy tail, the male sugarbird makes a fine statement. It’s easy to see why this bird is a popular choice in design and brand identity, and with botanical artists. We are delighted to have this little bird as our mascot for the Stanford News Agency and Stanford Spectator!

Created by the community, for the community.

A Special Thanks

The Stanford Spectator would not be possible without the support of our valued contributors, readers, sponsors and advertisers. A big thank you to everyone involved for contributing to the success of our publication.

Get Involved

Everyone included! That’s the motto here at Stanford News Agency. Our publication, The Stanford Spectator, is written, photographed and created by the community, for the community.

If you’d like to contribute in any way, be it information for an interesting story, an idea you may have that you’d like to see incorporated into our community publication, or any suggestion or comment you may have, we invite you to get in contact with us.

After all, a community publication is about creating dialogue among those who live and work in the very streets and houses of the community it serves.