FJP was an eye-opening experience

By Noko Pela

If FJP was a drug, I personally would love to be addicted to it. I would die before I would be admitted to a rehabitalisation centre. Exciting times for me were when I knew it was time to leave Polokwane for Grahamstown. I never really minded the long hours in the bus that always kept my expectations on a high. I knew I was going to a place I now refer to as Maxhoseng (Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape), a place that was slowly, but surely starting to feel like my second home.

I remember vividly the second last day before our departure during the autumn school, I received a call from my mom, I told her I wish she could take the whole family and permanently relocate to Grahamstown. There is just something about this small town that I seem to have grown fond off, it’s either a choice between its quietness or the weather, the unpredictable weather may I add.

I believe I am a different person today, post my participation in the Future Journalists Programme 2013. Before my participation in the Programme, my knowledge of journalism was so limited to the classroom, to the newspapers and television news bulletins, little did I know that journalism was so broad. Today, I can proudly say that I can use vox pops, I can conduct interviews, I can now write different story types, from feature articles, art stories etc. I can post my articles on the FJP blog which I can link to my Facebook and Twitter accounts. I now have a new perspective on photos (photojournalism). I can now hold my own in front of a camera, having shot a few video clips, the camera-shyness is slowly but surely fading away. As a result of the FJP, I believe I can hold my own in any newsroom.

Not only has the Future Journalists Programme exposed me to journalism and to life, but through this wonderful initiative by Highway Africa, I have met amazing people from all walks of life. I now have friends across the country, acquaintances, mentors, trainers and people I can call, e-mail, Facebook any time of the day without any hesitation.

A special mention goes the following people: Mbali Mzinyane, Sarin Drew, Alfred Makhubela, Alice Paulse, Unathi Nkhumbi, Siyabonga Myeni, Snehlanhla Sibisi, Matthew Alexander, Kagiso Makwana, Khethukhuthula Lembethe, Youlendree Appasamy, Nompilo Mncube, Nandi Majola, Loyiso Malgas, Odwa Mkhentane. Nompumelelo Mncube (Mentor) Highway Africa team Chris Kabwato, Karabo Tledima, Siphokazi Maneli, Luthando Kiti. Sim Kyazze (trainer), Nqobile Buthelezi-Sibisi (former Co-ordinator). Rhodes University, School of Journalism and Media Studies and all the sponsors.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank everybody working on the Programme, every single individual/organisation. Thank you for this wonderful and eye-opening experience. Please, do keep up the good job, it is not in vain. We shall all keep the FJP spirit and momentum going at our respective institutions, and we shall represent Highway Africa in the manner it deserves in our future endeavours, as journalists.

Photograph supplied by Noko Pela (left).