There’s just too much that we, ordinary people, take for granted.
Just over a week ago residents of Bela-Bela were left shocked by the fire which destroyed large parts of the Waterfront.
As a newspaper, we went into a lengthy discussion as to how we could lend a hand, especially to those whose jobs were under a cloud.
Against this backdrop, we decided to work on a lead story which attempted to find answers for those employed at various outlets at the Waterfront.
The heart-warming news was that all employers had one plan or the other, to comfort their workers.
Hence our front page headline last weekend, which declared: “Hope for jobs.”
There are several strategies that we explore whenever we decide on a lead story.
Oftentimes we have to chop and change the headline, or even move the whole front page to another part of the newspaper, to be replaced by breaking stories such as the inferno at the
Waterfront.
We first worked on a design of the headline, and the back-up pictures.
Before we could access answers from the employers at the charred complex, we had a headline which declared: “Hope for jobs?”
Perhaps that is where a community-based newspaper has to lead from the front.
Take note of the question mark at the end of the headline.
Having said that, after hearing from employers about moving to alternative accommodation and some salaries which had been insured for a period of time, we decided to remove the question mark, and went for a bold “Hope for jobs”.
This is surely something we were convinced would help allay the fears of the workers.
We also went the extra mile to find out from Carel Coetzee as to how soon the new, but smaller, Spar would be up and running.
We were told the tills could start tinkling as soon as February next year.
Coetzee has placed it on record that former employees would be considered for job opportunities at the grocery store.
This week, as I was about to chair our pre-publication conference, we had to go back to the Waterfront management and seek the latest news.
The first of the reporters to arrive at the office was TK Mashaba, who promised me some good pictures from a midday raid by health inspectors of one of the busiest grocery stores in downtown
Bela-Bela.
Bela-Bela residents have to be commended for allowing the law to take its course.
In Soweto, Gauteng, several foreign-owned stores were looted.
On a lighter note, my circle of socialites have wondered out loud why loot the stores and steal, among others, counterfeit items and foodstuffs such as fish and beans?
Moegoes (bumpkins) are found in huge supplies, even in Soweto. My foot!
I also spoke to Mzamane about a spring event, which may (or not) be considered for the front page.
More good news coming from TK is that the Bela-Bela Soccer Academy under-15 squad had qualified to represent Limpopo at the national finals of the Copa Coca-Cola Cup national finals.
Imagine how many talent scouts would be swarming the tournament, looking for good players.
Write to the Editor at johnnymasilela@yahoo.com or PO Box 16 Bela-Bela 0480.
— The BEAT
