Dream of becoming journo comes true
Aspiring 15-year-old journalist Sethu Manombe spent the day at Rekord newspaper's offices to experience what it is like to be a journalist.
Meeting contacts. Interviewing. Writing. Editing. Rewriting. Editing again. Seeing your name in print.
These are some of the experiences Sethu Manombe (15) went through on Thursday when his dream of being a journalist for a day was realised.
Manombe, who suffers from a rare blood disorder, visited Pretoria’s leading community newspaper, Rekord, in Lydiana.
On arrival, he said his dream of becoming a journalist started when he was still in primary school. “I enjoy investigating and would love to one day become a journalist,” Manombe said.
With the help of Reach for a Dream Foundation, Manombe was smiling from ear to ear while given a tour of the buzzing newsroom.
After the tour he was taken for a ride through the streets of Pretoria in a police vehicle with two police officers. Manombe also interviewed Warrant Officer Dave Miller and Sergeant Chris Nell from the Garsfontein police station about their lives as police officers.
As a true journalist would, Manombe, had many questions to ask while taking notes in his notepad.
“I enjoyed the ride with the police officers and learning what goes on behind the scenes.”
After the thrilling ride along with the police Manombe sat down with Rekord’s fellow journalists and typed up his experience.
He was then given clues as part of a treasure hunt where the final clue led him to a brand new laptop that he could use on his journey of becoming a investigative journalist.
His day ended with a meal at a local restaurant with his mother, Sehlile Manombe.
Sehlile said it was very humbling to see her son enjoy the whole experience.
“Being a journalist is all he ever talks about and it was wonderful to see him have his dream come true.”
The day in the life of a police officer
Written by: Sethu Manombe
After I was recently given the opportunity to ride with the Garsfontein police in Pretoria I was given a glimpse of the noble and hard work that our police officers give to the community. Sergeant Chris Nell and Warrant Officer Dave Miller answered a few questions about their daily routine and life as a police officer.
What hours do police officers work?
Sergeant Chris Nell: “We work normal office hours although we have to sometimes work overtime. We basically stop working when the crime stops.”
Where do you usually patrol?
Chris Nell: “Garsfontein which includes area like Faerie Glen, Moreleta Park, Constantia Park and Lynnwood.
How do you relax after hours?
Chris Nell: “I spend time with my family and assist my wife with her jewelry business.”
Dave Miller: “I also spend a lot of time with my family and I enjoy going to the gym.”
What are the types of police officers in the field?
Chris Nell: “There are two types of policemen. One whose calling it is to be a policeman. The other uses it as a stepping stone to other greater opportunities.”
Which one are you Sergeant Chris Nell?
“My father was a policeman and I have been in the police force for 26 years now so it is my calling.”
Which one are you Warrant Officer Dave Miller?
“I have been in the police since 1991 and for me it is also a calling.”
What did the Garsfontein police station do for Mandela Day?
Dave Miller: “We helped clean local parks in the Garsfontein area.”
Have you ever shot someone?
Chris Nell: Unfortunately yes but it was for self-defense.
Dave Miller: I have never shot someone, no.
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