Jani Allen’s return
AUCKLAND PARK — Former journalist, Jani Allen launches her memoirs.
Former Sunday Times columnist Jani Allen launched her book – Jani Confidential: A memoir at the University of Johannesburg on 16 April.
Allan spoke about how she got into journalism and became a columnist, despite being a classically trained pianist. She gave details about her infamous interview with slain AWB leader, Eugène Terre’Blanch, where she was later accused of having an affair with him and her reputation reduced to tatters.
“Never go to an interview with other people’s perceptions of your subject. I was accused of having an affair with Eugène Terre’Blanch and everyone around me betrayed me, my colleagues and friends. My flat was bombed and my editor sent me out of the country.”
Her universal story of betrayal is wonderfully depicted in her recent book. She spoke about her fall from grace and how she believed that she was merely a pawn in a much more dangerous political war.
“I didn’t realise journalism could be so dangerous,” she added.
Allan said, there seems to be a rude mentality with today’s media, not just in South Africa but overseas as well. She said the slut-shaming has taken the place of more compassionate journalism.
