Dear reader
This is it – my last day as a Lowveld Media journalist.
I don’t know what I expected to feel on this day, but I knew that it would be bittersweet and the lump I have been waiting for has already formed in my throat.
It is not as if I am going far away. To be exact I will be moving one flight upstairs and into another office – that of Caxton’s legal advisor. I will be working closely with national group editor Irma Green. My duties will include assisting the company’s more than 140 editorial teams with media law queries and matters involving the Press Council. It will also entail corporate law assignments and travel all over South Africa to the various branches of Caxton media houses.
When I was a little girl, someone asked me what my greatest wish was. “I want a story to tell,” I answered. Years later, I developed a love for the law. My dream has now come true in that I can pursue a two-in-one career incorporating the two things I love most.
My career as a journalist started in September 2014 while seated in a lawyer’s office. Suddenly, it all became too much. The nine to five life of title deeds, testaments and contracts failed to sustain my passionate, creative soul. An advertisement in Lowvelder sought applicants for the position of court reporter and I knew then and there that it would suit me like a glove.
My graditude towards those who employed me knows no bounds. Thank you Marius Bakkes, Irma Green, Buks Esterhuizen and Nicolene Smalman. I will forever be indebted to Irma, Nicolene and Mark Kinnear for training me to be the best journalist I could possible be. You made me brave, strong and at times either fearless or really stupid (I’m still not sure which is which, but I’ve been both). You make me believe that I am capable of anything.
My career in journalism has not been very long, but I promise that this is not the end. I will keep writing for Caxton publications all over the country and my byline will probably appear in Lowvelder every now and then.
There were many highlights over the past three years and seven months. The search for Nick Wiesmann comes to mind, as does our editorial team effort on the Annatjie Myburgh case. Tracy Todd, your wedding day is one of my most vivid and amazing memories.
I thoroughly enjoyed blogging. Through these, my readers shared my highs and lows with me and I enjoyed having you all be a part of my life.
Nelspruit’s Post‘s DONDERDAG blog was a quirky look at life. Nelspruit Post is one of our publications that will always be close to my heart and it was a privilege to serve as its editor in 2017. I also enjoyed writing Lowvelder’s more serious Helene’s Column.
The technological advancements of the network society has transformed the media industry. Thanks to guidance from various mentors, I was able to earn the title as Caxton’s first multimedia journalist of the year. Benno Stander, a shoutout is due. You are my mentor and a very true friend. Thanks for the wisdom that you share when I need it the most.
To my friends and sources:
You are all incedibly special to me. The lines have blurred and I have very few sources who have not become dear friends. As a court and crime reporter I have seen many things that were quite upsetting. When I felt like giving up, you guys pulled me through. I want to name each and every one, but I won’t do so for fear of skipping one of my life’s gems.
To my Lowveld Media colleagues:
Damn, this industry is stressful. We’ve gone through tough times, cried when stories were heartbreaking and behaved with decreased composure on deadline days. The loyalty that binds us is unbreakable. We’ve been through so much together and I am proud to say that I was part of your team.
De Wet Potgieter, Mireille de Villiers, Carli Koch and team. You are formidable. I am very glad that we will still be sharing an office building. Cheers to many more spontaneous moments and belly laughs!
To the people of the Lowveld:
Thank you for being a supportive community and helping my career take shape.
Feel free to call me up for a quick coffee. If I am in town, I would love that.
Cheers, until next time :)
