It’s with a heavy but content heart that I say goodbye to the newsroom which I’ve called my home away from home for the past three and a half years.
It was with this local newspaper, which has such a profound (sometimes unseen) effect on so many people’s lives where I grew into myself as a functioning member of the workforce. It’s here where I honed my writing skills in the office and my social skills outside with the many wonderful people I have worked with.
Krugersdorp, I’m sad to say that there’s still a long road ahead of you. Our town is slowly improving, but there are still many problems which need addressing.
I want to leave you with this advice: Trust in the institutions of this town – be it the municipality, the businesses, charity organisations, the authorities or even the media, but always hold them accountable. Be considerate about how these organisations are judged, because there will always be a few actors with ill-intent, but there are vastly more servants of the people who want nothing more than to help, build and restore.
Be mindful of the media, because there are many regulations, both ethical and legal which go into a journalist’s work that it’s difficult to understand why they approach stories a certain way. But, I can ensure you that the ethical ones only want the best for their community while facing off against seemingly insurmountable odds.
As for me, I will still be a resident of this beloved town of ours and commute to Sandton where I have very recently accepted the position of journalist/ copywriter at a prestigious public relations firm.
I have come to a natural point in my career where it is time to move on, and I hope to achieve even more out there.
