This would be the last time

Good morning dear reader

By this time next week, I would have packed up my office and walked out the door of the building I have considered my second home for the past few years.

I will leave behind the job that has opened my eyes to reality. I will leave behind the career that has taught me the difference between the life we consider status quo and reality.

Together we have experienced joy, amusement, shock and heartache. I have learnt when to push your buttons and when not to (that Satanism story … ). I have shared your anger at times when the municipality also sent us over-inflated electricity bills.

I have been lied to and threatened when I dare publish the truth. I have had to burn bridges when I considered a story more rewarding than lunch money.

Whether you liked or disliked me, be sure of one thing — I had the time of my life and each one of you contributed to the experience. I don’t regret a thing.

This is the last week I get to spend with three bright journalists who have made my time here more enjoyable. They are the Roodepoort record. They are the ones who put themselves at risk to get close to the action so that you don’t have to. If there is anyone in the newsroom to respect, it would be the journalists. Come what may, they will continue – as they always have – to bring you the best in local news as it happens.

To my colleagues and managers at Caxton West Rand, thank you for the best time of my life. Although it’s sad to go and let go, I know things will keep getting better for the record. I’m looking forward to reading the Roodepoort record only as a reader again.

With this I bid not only Caxton, but the media as a whole farewell.

Tihan van der Walt
Former Editor for Roodepoort record.