Long-serving Randburg Sun journalist bids adieu
Journalist says farewell to residents and readers in Randburg.
Nicholas Zaal writes:
After almost 10 years at Caxton Local Media, the majority of which was spent at the Randburg Sun newspaper, I bid a fond farewell to all.
Reporting community news has always been more than just a job for me. From your run-of-the-mill electricity, water and road issues to extensive billing queries, violent crime, high-profile court cases and action-packed sport, it is no exaggeration to say I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Helping residents has become a passion of mine that has not dwindled as time has passed. When an 80-year-old Blairgowrie couple had to repaint road markings outside their home because the municipality was ignoring their pleas; I was there to cover the story. When Julius Malema was at Randburg Magistrate’s Court to face charges of assault for the incident at Winnie Madikizela Mandela’s funeral, I was there. And when one boxer after another became the African champion in his weight division at the Alan Toweel Boxing Gym in Linden, I was there.
From seemingly significant national news to hyperlocal events, I covered these diverse stories and gained equal satisfaction from each of them. The school learner who earned provincial colours for some academic or cultural achievement, the local charity that needed a little more help one month. The Old Parks and Randburg cricket derbies. The local markets and community policing forum meetings. The local author launching their first book. The Diggers rugby days, Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry breakfasts, and of course the Hoërskool Linden and Randburg derby.
There are too many to name them all. I have come to share the burdens and frustrations of residents. Their successes and joys have become my own, and I feel I will be leaving a piece of myself behind in the residents’ associations, community groups, schools, police stations, and individuals of Randburg.
It has been an absolute pleasure sharing your stories with the world and I will continue to read the Randburg Sun through its website or whenever I can get hold of a physical copy.
This is farewell but let’s also stay in touch. Thank you again.
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