As I wrap up my six-month journey with the Benoni City Times and Boksburg Advertiser on August 31, I can’t help but reflect on how transformative this experience has been.
I started my internship in March with the Advertiser, and now, as a final-year journalism student from Tshwane University of Technology, I’m looking back at how far I’ve come.
Coming from Mandeni township in KwaZulu-Natal, the move to Benoni was a daunting challenge.
I had only read about this place in the news, and the thought of relocating to Gauteng, which my parents call Egoli, was intimidating.
Starting with just R1 000 from my late aunt, Lalie Mthethwa, whom I deeply appreciate, my early days were tough.
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I initially rented a room in the Benoni CBD but faced a hostile living environment and even fell victim to a scam.
Despite these setbacks, I found solace at St Dunstan’s Anglican Cathedral, which gave me a sense of home and healing.
Later on, I moved to Etwatwa and found a warm and welcoming home with Aunt Sonia and Thando Motaung.
My transition from intern induction to daily work was nerve-wracking, especially when I discovered that the City Times had moved from Northmead to Boksburg.
Exploring this new, busy, and unfamiliar area was challenging.
On my first day, feeling out of place and relying on my GPS, I had an unexpected encounter with City Times senior journalist Jani de Beer, who kindly gave me a lift to the office and showed me to her desk.
I saw her drive past and initially thought she might be Lana O’Neill, my editor, while I was distracted by an aeroplane landing so close that it felt like I could touch it – a first for me.
At the office, I was greeted with a warm welcome note and a mug filled with chocolates, which made me feel instantly at home.
My first three months with the Advertiser were both challenging and rewarding.
I was exposed to a vibrant community life that was a stark contrast to what I had seen on television.
I admired the community’s active involvement in initiatives, charity, and sports, and appreciated the clean neighbourhoods and locals’ affection for their pets.
Despite my initial fears about crime in Gauteng, I gradually overcame my anxieties and embraced my new environment.
Reflecting on my internship, I am deeply grateful for the support and cooperation I received from everyone I worked with.
As my time with the Advertiser and City Times comes to an end, I leave with a profound sense of accomplishment and pride.
I’m determined to carry forward the lessons learned and the experiences gained, in honour of this community that has played such a pivotal role in my learning career.
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