My 26-year journey with Athlone News: Embracing Ubuntu in journalism

When I look back on my almost 26-year journey with the Athlone News, Ubuntu is the word that comes to mind.

The meaning of this Zulu word basically means “I am because of you”. At the core of it is humanity towards others. This is what I experienced on so many occasions when I reported on organisations doing amazing work, or an aunty cooking up a storm to feed the masses in her community. Communities like Bonteheuwel, Heideveld, Manenberg, Hanover Park, Athlone, Silvertown, Bridgetown, and Kewtown, among others, are filled with so many uplifting, feel-good, positive stories. Yes, there are challenges, but as real as the challenges are, Ubuntu is still alive. I have been blessed to not only meet the many people who make a difference in their communities by living out Ubuntu, but also to work in a newsroom that shared the same ethos.

I walked into the newsroom as a rookie, and while I was still trying to figure things out, the Manenberg tornado struck in August 1999. Thanks to my senior colleagues who guided me, I was able to report on it, nervous as I was. Cathy Stagg, a former team leader, was the first to welcome me with her friendly smile. 

Working with an all-women team in my earlier years, the support was amazing, and the challenges were understood. Nobody made me feel guilty because my baby was sick and I couldn’t be at work. As for the men who joined our team later, they too understood the assignment. Over the years, I have made some lifelong friends. To demonstrate the amazing humans I had the privilege of working with, I have to share the following example. My mother’s funeral was on a Monday. Production day. Most of my colleagues were at the funeral service. I asked them, through my tears, "Who is taking care of the paper, if you are all there?" But they made it work, supported me, and made sure to produce a superb publication.

Similarly, I have made lifelong friendships with some of the people I met in the community. I am so grateful to have met so many people who care so much. 

Technology has advanced a lot since the days I started at Athlone News. We used to use film, manual cameras, process the negatives in a darkroom, and check the negatives with a magnifying glass to decide which photos to print. Now, with technology, everything is so much simpler and faster. 

Just like technology is constantly evolving, so is life and the industry. And as I step out, I remain grateful for the many people, the rich experiences, the love shared, and the lessons learnt along the way.

I celebrated many highs, achieved milestones, shared in grief and sorrow, lost a few friends, family and colleagues along the way, but through it all, I remain grateful.

Thank you to everyone who made my journey such an enriching one.