Huisgenoot/You launches petition against crime

After the recent murder of journalist Megan Herselman, YOU magazine and sister publications Huisgenoot and Drum, started the Unite Against Crime campaign. According to the petition, promoted in the magazines and doing the rounds online, "We have the right to safety and security and we are being denied this fundamental human right!” So far is has successfully gathered close to 30 000 signatures, according to editor Esmare Weideman. The campaign has gained the support of the Marike de Klerk Foundation which has pledged to collect 100 000 signatures. In the August 24 editions of Huisgenoot, YOU and Drum a million black ribbons were distributed. Weideman says her magazines also plan to produce T-shirts and bumper stickers to spread the anti-crime message. This is an example of how these hugely successful magazines tap into the concerns of their readers and respond to them.