‘Farewell Roodepoort and thank you for everything!’

Goodbyes have never really been my strong suit. I never know what to say, let alone where to begin, but the time has come for me to say farewell to the Roodepoort community, and my friends and colleagues at Caxton Joburg West.

I don’t think I have ever been more excited or nervous than the day I started at the Record. I had barely begun adult life and had never worked in such a high-pressure environment. I was terrified that I wouldn’t find my place in the community, but I was welcomed into Roodepoort with open arms.

The Roodepoort Record was my first taste of a real newsroom environment, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the people who helped me learn the ins and outs of community journalism. As with most things in life, there were always ‘haters’, but the majority of the people I have worked with made everything worth it. The people I have met and the stories I have been privileged enough to cover in my time at the Record have changed my life for the better.

It was not always easy, but it was definitely always interesting. I will never forget the lessons I have learned and the memories I have made over the past two years. Thank you to everyone who trusted me to tell their stories and to those who have supported me on this journey.

As I take on this new challenge in my life, I find comfort in the fact that Roodepoort will always be my first home.

Good luck to everyone and stay safe.