The Rep editor bids farewell after three years
It is almost surreal that I am saying goodbye to The Rep and the people of Komani, barely three years after taking up the newspaper’s editorship. As is always the case when one has to bid farewell to something so dear, I have mixed feelings of sadness and excitement.
I am very sad to announce that this has been my last week at The Rep but extremely happy to say I am taking up a more senior position at The Herald in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) from September 1.
It is no doubt a fantastic opportunity one cannot let slip by.
The other good news about the move is that The Rep and The Herald are sister publications, both owned by Arena Holdings. In effect, that means I will still be at home, just at a different title in a distant city.
I remember when I was interviewed by sub editor Chux Fourie when I started at The Rep in 2019. I had said it was somewhat of a homecoming for me considering the Eastern Cape is my home, having been born and bred in Makhanda and my mother having her roots deeply embedded in the Hewu village outside Komani. I am happy to say I have no plans to leave the province at this stage.
In the interview, I also said I looked forward to working with the people of this town. And it has been a fascinating three-or-so years of stories – good and bad, disputes, learning, wonderful ideas, discoveries, interactions, relationships, friendships, good times, mostly, and even awards.
I felt at home during my time in Komani, particularly at The Rep, and I will miss the people and my colleagues, who have become family to me, very much so. I express my sincere gratitude to all of you.
Last, but not least, I want to thank Arena Holdings and all my managers for the opportunities they make available to employees. May God bless all of you.
Thank you and goodbye!
PS The company will make an announcement soon on the next editor of The Rep.