I love you, Benoni

I have probably given each person a different answer.
I am by nature extremely fickle, perhaps one of the reasons for my differing answers.
On the other hand, I think it’s a lot more complicated than that.
Last week Thursday, I drove to Actonville to report on a xenophobic protest.
I arrived on scene, and as is always the case with stories that have a provincial or national interest, there was a large media presence.
I went about my business and spoke to the local SAPS and members of the Actonville CPF.
The national journalists appeared to have looked past these folk.
I discussed the issue at hand and also spoke to them about stories of interest to Benoni and its people.
I was alone, as far as I could tell.
When I neared the crowd of people who were chanting xenophobic sentiments, I felt a lot more attached to the people (which is not ideal for a journalist).
By involved, I mean I had a greater sense of caring (in my opinion) than the other journalists who were just at another protest.

I was reporting on a matter concerning Benoni and its people, with an understanding of the area and an attachment to it, as I am a Benoni resident, too.
A couple of the journalists from other media houses were not even sure where they were.
They were standing in Actonville, but their Twitter timeline read that they were in the Benoni CBD.
I suppose this disorientation is natural when you travel long distances every day to get to the breaking news.
This “big stories” covered by the national publications is exciting: there is always action and the immediacy of the news is even more compelling.
However, when I am asked what my plans are, I weigh up several factors about my job.
I love Benoni and its people and it’s an absolute privileged to report on matters concerning the old mining town.
I do not always get it right, but it is a work in progress with the tools and time at my disposal.
Then, the negatives, well, there are a few of staying at a community newspaper, money being one.
I am a firm believer of working hard and then grabbing opportunities that present themselves to me.
At this stage, I am continually trying to enhance my skills as a writer and serve a community I am so passionate about. KvdL