+ Letters
One of DRUM's major goals is to interact more with readers. On our letters page, "Have your say", we now offer R100 for the winning letter. DRUM also goes out into communities across South Africa to find out what readers have to say - in their own words - about important issues that affect them directly. Views on a different topic every week are also received via SMS and respondents stand a chance to win a fancy prize in the process.

+ Celebrity
Celebrity pages such as "Out & about" and "Showbuzz" are very popular and will feature ordinary as well as local and international celebrities. Readers are interested in their relationships and everyday doings.

+ News scoops
Readers are becoming very smart and sophisticated. They very quickly realise that news are being repeated and become tiresome. Featuring a news story, which is a first "Exclusive", is definitely seen as a trigger to purchase.

+ Issues
Drum readers want issues addressed which have direct impact on their daily lives - to inform, uplift, educate and empower them to make informed decisions. Issues will be up to date, topical and original.

+ News
DRUM's mission has always been to bring the reader the best stories from South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world. Readers are interested in people who are newsmakers; who have achieved something in life; who are making a difference in society; who are controversial; who are glamorous and who they can associate with. Features like
"In The News", "Inspiration", "Paparazzi", "Controversy" and "Glamour" fulfil this need.

+ How SA lives
This is a new feature and DRUM will visit South Africans each week to document how they live their lives in their specific communities. DRUM's vision is to provide their readers with a glimpse into this wonderful multi-cultural melting pot we all call home.

+ Competitions
DRUM will be giving away some awesome prizes which could have readers smiling all the way to the bank. The revamped "Giveaways" page also makes it easier for readers to win great products.

+ Looking good
DRUM's readers, both women and men, are very comfortable in their own skins and know what they want in life. DRUM wants to reflect this confidence in the fashion, beauty, décor "At home", and food pages. DRUM's readers want practical advice on beautiful and affordable products, but they also like to spoil themselves every now and then.

+ Advice
DRUM's target market appreciates advice in a no-nonsense approach to hush-hush topics and "Advice on life" will tackle issues on a regular basis. DRUM is full of practical advice on how to overcome everyday obstacles and challenges. This includes favourites such as "Sis Dolly",
"Testotherapy with Bra Lucas" and "Ask Dr Trevor". Health issues are becoming increasingly important and will be with relevance to DRUM's market featured in the "Your health" pages. A brand-new finance column has been added. "Your money" will focus on financial issues having direct impact on DRUM readers' pockets. A weekly profile of interesting "Careers" for readers who want to find their dream job, has also been created.

+ Education
One of the most exciting changes in DRUM is the emphasis we'll be placing on education. With the new "Young DRUM", the beat goes on in the classroom as well. The philosophy behind the curriculum guiding our education, aims to prepare our children with academic knowledge and practical skills to cope in the challenging world we live in. DRUM supports the philosophy wholeheartedly. But DRUM also heard the pleas of our teachers. Our classrooms are full, the resources are often scarce and overworked teachers seldom have the time they need to meet the Department of Education's requirements. The "DRUM in the classroom" section addresses the needs of Grades 4-6 learners with all supporting materials also useful to Grades 3 and 7. Adding "Bluster and Tikolo" extends the educational and fun value of DRUM. These lovable guys are the main characters in our very own South African comic strip. This is followed by a cut-out alphabet with a unique learning plan designed to teach youngsters various sounds. Since 1989 the creators of Bluster and Tikolo have used product and trade names to teach thousands of adults in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia to read. This is because kids and adults recognise letters better when they see them in well-known trade names. This programme has been such a success the Americans, British and Brazillians now want to copy it.

+ Fun and entertainment
All work and no play is no fun at all and DRUM is a fun magazine for the whole family. We now have a page of jokes called "Good Laughs" and DRUM offers R50 for the best joke sent in by a reader. DRUM increased coverage of South Africa's best television soapies "Soap watch", and simplified the TV schedules to make it easier for the readers to find their favourite programme. A selection of familiar and brand-new puzzles and games such as word games and a general knowledge quiz are featured. "Pick of the week" features the latest CD's, books, movies, videos, DVD's - highlighting the best of the week. The horoscope in
"Your stars" still intrigue female readers and they love to see their future on paper. "Fiction"stories are popular - some like it beginning and ending in the same issue, and others would like to see episodes to anticipate what happens next.

+ Sport
The sport pages in DRUM have always been very popular. Both male and female readers are very interested in reading about sport "Sports-buzz", including sport other than just soccer.