For me the lowlight for the year 2018 was when especially politicians gave me a bear hug for what they perceive as good stories, and then point an accusing finger when things do not go their way.
Due to the sensitivity of these matters, I have asked the editor that I do not mention names.
First and foremost, is this Bela-Bela female ANC politician, who has in many encounters, chose to makes me feel like I am troublesome. Fine.
But then when political heavyweights from both national and provincial government visit, she is the very first one to grab me by the wrist and insist I photograph her with the visiting who’s
who.
In the latter instance the politician transforms like a chameleon, acting like we were good ‘ol friends.
Guess what? When duty calls I just have to give her the publicity she so much loves.
Then there are some male politicians and contacts, who from time to time invite me to an interview of some sort.
More often than not, when I arrive — pen, notebook and camera in hand — the man suddenly proposes a romantic affair with me!
The editor has assured me this kind of behaviour is as old as the mountains, affecting even fellow female journalists in the mainstream media.
I am deliberately raising this against the backdrop of the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children Abuse.
Please stop it, majita (gentlemen)!
And the highlight: That was when I was allowed space to relate my personal memories of the late photojournalist, Sam Nzima, under whose mentorship I had the honour to be exposed.
Bra Sam is the man who took the famous picture of the dying Hector Peterson in the arms of the older schoolboy, Mbuyisa Makhubu, at the height of the Soweto uprisings in June 1976.
— The BEAT
