In The Beginning

Firstly, let’s get the introductions out of the way. I’m Marlon Abrahams, Editor-in-Chief of the Raven Report. Some of you may remember my prolific parenting columns on News24 and various other online platforms. I also hosted the first ever parenting show to be hosted by a man on the DSTV learning channel for one season, called Who’s Your Daddy, I think the episodes are still available for viewing on YouTube. I studied Journalism at Pen Tech (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology or CPUT) and had an exciting career as an editor of numerous corporate publications for various top companies like M-Net, Air Liquide and most recently the Senwes group.

As it happens, my journey has come full circle. After living and working in Gauteng and the North West province for more than 30 years and having traveled to more than 25 countries across 4 continents, I find myself back in Cape Town in the midst of the community where I was born, schooled and raised, namely the Northern Suburbs, the Uitsig, Ravensmead area to be exact.

Giving back

As you can tell, this is a new venture (launched on 1 February 2026). I thought I saw a gap in the market for a new non-AI influenced, non-fake news information channel to our communities, where we produce community-based news and deliver it directly to your door. However, we’re kicking off with an online digital version which will be supported by social media platforms. 

Print

Once viable we will consider producing a print version to be hand-delivered direct to home in our communities.

The AI Factor

AI has had an unexpected negative impact on the authenticity of news and information online. Some influencers, like astrophysicist and author, Neil deGrasse Tyson, pointed out the potential for AI to “erode trust in information sources”. It should also be noted that the term “Fake News”, famously amplified by that beacon of “truth” Donald J Trump, has been given a very literal meaning since AI went mainstream. The word on the street is that the majority of internet users have lost their faith in online news reporting. Toe dink ek, maar wag, let’s go back to basics. And so, the Raven Report was born.

Why Raven you may ask. Well, if you know your ancient history, you will probably figure it out, or… maybe it has something to do with our head-office being in Ravensmead?

Game of Thrones

Fans of the global hit TV series Game of Thrones will know that in ancient times the highly intelligent Raven was used to communicate between communities far and wide by carrying messages. The more sinister connotations of the black bird are associated with the Crow, which we’ll be steering clear of as we will ONLY be covering good news. Our aim is to celebrate those in our communities who inspire all of us to greatness by giving them a platform on which to share their achievements. #BYOH

We Need You

We’re going to do this differently, and we need your active participation.

The news section, is solely MY and your, yes, YOUR, responsibility okay. So, wat ek wil hê julle moet doen, is to send me your stories, no bad news though, ons het genoeg platvorms vir al die kak en drama wat aangaan in ons communities.

Whatsapp me directly on 0745037001

We will feature regular news, on our families, our children, our teachers, our faiths and our sporting, business and cultural over-achievers. If you prefer email, send to editorinchief@ravenreport.co.za.

• I look forward to hearing from you.

• Marlon Abrahams

• The Raven Report Editor-in-Chief