#MeetTheTeam- Maretha Swanepoel
"It is really nice to know that people appreciate what you do. And the thank you’s I receive also helps a lot in motivating me."
POLOKWANE – Her name is often seen accompanying community stories and school stories but of late, one can find Maretha Swanepoel’s name all over the newspaper, covering all sorts of news in the city.
Maretha is a talented photographer and is with her beloved dog, Tonks, as often as she can be. Maretha describes herself as being inquisitive as she always wants to be informed about what is going on.
How long have you been working at the Review?
I have been at the Review since 9 January 2012.
What is your role at the Review?
I am a senior journalist.
Describe a typical day for a Review journalist?
How do you deal with pressure?
The best way, I would say, is to plan and to prioritise. You have to see what is more important and cover that first. Have lists which you can tick off. Stay in control and remember to take a breather now and then.
What it is like knowing that people read your articles on a weekly basis?
It’s a great feeling. It is really nice to know that people appreciate what you do. And the thank you’s I receive also helps a lot in motivating me.
Have you kept all your articles?
In my first year yes, but after that, no. There are just too many.
What was your favourite story that you’ve done?
Wow, well, I’d say that even though I did not do the actual story, the burning of the court would have to be number one on the list. I was there to take photos and it was amazing.
A close second, although I also didn’t write the story, was meeting Zelda le Grange.
My favourite one that I actually did would have to be Bernadine du Preez’s wedding.
What are some of the positive aspects about being a journalist?
You get to know a lot of people, facts and you are constantly informed. You also get to make new friends and you take a lot of interesting photos.
What are some of the negative aspects?
I cannot really think of something, but I would say seeing the negative things in life. Or seeing a problem and you know you cannot fix it
Why did you decide to become a journalist?
I was born curious. My favourite word has always been ‘why’. I question a lot. When I saw the war in Iraq, I knew I wanted to be there. Since that, things haved changed and although I would still like to take photos in Iraq, I wouldn’t like to write the stories.
In a way you also make a difference by being a journalist.
Do you have a message for our readers?
