The central news team thanks you

Phiri Cawe, reporter

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2025, I hope this message finds you filled with joy, happiness, and love for your families and those around you. 

As a storyteller, I must confess I am no expert in writing love letters, but today I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, the reader, for your unwavering support and kindness, and for welcoming me into your lives. 

This work is not easy, yet your encouragement made it lighter. Some days were incredibly difficult, but your stories, energy, and compassion lifted our spirits and became part of my family as I became part of yours. 

Thank you for recommending us, for your loyalty, and for sharing your lives with heart. As we step into a new year, hold on to the goodness you carry, reward yourself, and enjoy the festive season. 

Niwonwabele unyaka omtsha. Until we meet again!

Marsha Bothma, reporter

I am always so honoured to share your stories, to walk into your homes, schools, halls, and so many other spaces. 

The work we do is both thrilling and, at times, scary, as we witness the challenges, hardships, and harsh realities that are beyond our control. Yet, it is also deeply rewarding to celebrate triumphs, talents, and the resilience of our community. 

Thank you for entrusting the team and me. I am part of telling your stories with heart and passion. While this work isn’t always easy, we approach it with dedication and heart, always giving our best to honour your stories and our community.

Thank you for the complaints, the laughs, the tears, and the congratulatory words - you help us do what we do, and you are the reason we keep sharing the stories of our people. 

Please be safe this festive season, and in your heart and mind, be kind to yourself. As we look to the new year, let us hold onto hope, cherish joy, and appreciate the moments we have. Much love, until our next story.

Siyavuya Khaya, reporter

As the year closes, I step into leave with ink-stained hands and a quieter notebook. Twelve months of deadlines taught me humility: facts resist haste, and truth demands patience. I reported through early mornings, council chambers, court corridors, and communities, both grieving and celebrating, learning that listening is the first draft of any story.

I chased accuracy when speed tempted shortcuts and owned corrections when I fell short. The work required stamina and empathy in equal measure, especially when headlines carried pain. Yet there was joy - seeing a complex story land cleanly, voices previously ignored appear in print, and readers write back.

Journalism this year reminded me that words matter most when they serve the public. As I log off, I leave with gratitude for editors who sharpened my copy, sources who trusted me, and readers who held us accountable. Rest now, then return renewed, ready to report with care.