My name is Nonhlanhla Hlatshwayo. I can never forget that when I started at Caxton Local Media, the team was always willing to help me get used to the place and how it works. Their kindness and support really made it easier for me to settle, and the kindness continues even after a year of working here. Photo: Nia Louw
WORLD Kindness Day, observed annually on November 13, is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of acts of kindness.
The history of World Kindness Day dates back to 1997 when the World Kindness Movement held its first conference in Tokyo, Japan, to bring together like-minded organisations from around the world. It is a day of celebration in many countries, eg, Canada, Australia, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. It was not until 1998 that the day was established as an annual event.
The day reminds us of the powerful ripple effect that acts of kindness can have on an individual, a community and the world as a whole. The beauty of this occasion is that you can participate in any act of kindness you choose. It could be something as simple as giving a compliment on someone’s outfit or sending a text message saying good morning to someone you care about.
To commemorate this day of awareness some Caxton Local Media team members shared their stories about the kindness they have experienced during their time with Caxton Local Media.
My name is Tarry Kumm. It’s truly heartening to reflect on the positive experiences I’ve shared and the strong sense of camaraderie I’ve cultivated with my fellow colleagues during my extensive 15-year tenure at Caxton. The bonds formed in the workplace, where colleagues become akin to an extended family, hold immense potential to elevate job satisfaction and overall well-being. Small acts of kindness, whether they come in the form of a simple chocolate or a thoughtful evening message, have a profound impact on the work environment. These gestures, both big and small, play a crucial role in shaping a workplace culture that is not only supportive but also radiates positivity. Discovering a reliable network of individuals who offer support and understanding has undoubtedly added a fulfilling dimension to my professional journey. Kindness possesses a remarkable quality that extends beyond the workplace and seeps into our personal lives. It creates a positive ripple effect, fostering a sense of community, cooperation, and understanding. Observing the significance I place on these connections and witnessing the positive transformations they’ve brought to my professional path is truly uplifting. Photo: Nia Louw
My name is Kathy Bosman. When I first came to work at Caxton, I was very nervous as I had worked from home for over a decade. I also suffer from social anxiety, but Shiraz, one of the Northglen News journalists, made me feel welcome. He was so friendly and encouraging about my work that I grew in confidence and didn’t suffer from social anxiety for long. In fact, everyone has been wonderful, and I often tell others that I work with wonderful people. Photo: Nia Louw
My name is Zama Luthuli. For me, the kindest person I know at Caxton, I would say, is the administrator, Martie Janse Van Rensburg. She’s always there and willing to assist when I need help, and she will go the extra mile just to make sure she’s been of great help. She will do all of that with a smile without getting irritated, and she understands and has respect for the staff. Photo: Nia LouwMy Name is Kas Naidoo, and I have been working for Caxton for the past 17 years. For more than 10 years, I undertook to offer myself to charity and ministry. For the last four years, my heart found a place for the people of The Silverglen Nature Reserve, a farming community of the Seven Tanks area. Through the Green Pastures Community Church, we are able to give the children and their families a Christmas party. The amazing people I work with at Caxton always make my charity drives a great success as they always support every ‘Call Out’ I make. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their generosity in giving towards the less fortunate. Photo: Nia Louw
I am one of two journalists working on the Berea Mail Newspaper. We produce stories weekly for both print and online. I am dedicated to producing content that is current and engaging to our audiences, and with the help of our digital co-ordinator, Khurshid Guffar, and our editor, Corrinne Louw, we focus on producing content that keeps up with online trends and audience preferences. The Berea Mail website showcases a wide array of articles that fall under various categories, from entertainment, lifestyle, schools and food to crime, municipality-related stories and other hard news. I have been with the Berea Mail Newspaper for more than two years, and I am committed to producing accurate and newsworthy content. I have a good rapport with the local community and enjoy covering community-centred stories and sharing the stories of our local residents.
