Where do I begin?

Seven years ago, I joined the Middelburg Observer’s editorial team, somewhat quiet and a little shy – but with so much excitement and gratitude for a job that carried meaning and brought fulfilment.

Stepping over the threshold as a journalist opened wide the doors to this world, and there were days… some good, some bad. Moments of laughter, moments of tears, and moments of fighting and holding on for dear life.

I experienced so many first times as a journalist with the Middelburg Observer; my first gruesome accident scene, murders, and suicides, but the hardest part of my job was always the frustration and anger towards injustice, and the trailing feeling that I can do nothing about it.

But…

If you had to ask me which moments truly stood out for me, they would include the incredible people I encountered and the wonderful stories I got to tell on their behalf.

People like Samkelo Molopo, who approached my desk with a prosthesis far too small for him, who has since gone on to excel in wheelchair tennis.

Kamogelo Rapatsa – the boy with no arms or legs but who could colour in, cut out, bounce a ball and speak three languages as a pre-schooler.

Then there’s Cobus Fourie, Des Jelliman, Etta Vosges, Sanet Griessel, the Beyers couple, and Andre Brandmuller, to name a few. All ordinary people who have gone on to do extraordinary things.

If you narrow the scope down a little, there’s the wonderful team at the Middelburg Observer who became family over the last seven years.

Tobie and Daleen, who have weathered so many storms in the seat as editor. A wonderful team of journalists, particularly the OGs, like Gerhard, Jana and Tiisetso, who taught me how to roll with the punches.

Fay – our resident potter who so meticulously curated, pruned and moulded our hastily written masterpieces, and who had the uncanny ability to read my silences and not-so-covert facial expressions.

Yvette, Leana, and the exceptional layout and sales teams, all instrumental in making the Middelburg Observer one of the very best community newspapers in South Africa.
All generous with their support, friendship and guidance, which truly has carried me through the times.

And while I am not leaving the following behind, I cannot fail to mention Angela and my incredible family for their unwavering love and support. For celebrating with me in genuine happiness when times were good, for wiping my tears behind closed doors where my mask could fall off and my inner walls could crumble.

I have had many jobs throughout my life, and being a journalist was and will remain the best of them all.

And if I have learned anything from it, then it would be that time is precious and cannot be taken for granted. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow, so live and love today.

I have learned to listen, quietly and intently, to each story.

I leave as a whole different person because of you all!

So thank you, Middelburg!

You have been good to me.

Your servant,

Sjani.

Desiderata – Max Ehrmann:

“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”