As a regular columnist for The BEAT and also our sister publication, Die Pos/The Post, I often wonder if people do read the stuff I write.
Well, every single established columnist and even author has the same worry.
In writing these columns, those of us lucky enough to be afforded space to express our views, have to always ask ourselves: who is the targeted market and what is the intended effect?
The letter from the editor for the past 12 months has attempted to talk to two issues; one how the newsroom works, and the other downright personal experiences of the writer.
Columns aimed at educating the reader about the workings of the newspaper have a specific market: the informed reader such as English grammar educators and learners.
But surely any other educator should have an interest in how reporters and their editors get to compile a good read.
What has been of surprise to me is that columns capturing personal experiences seem to have resonated more with readers, such as when I related memories of the girlhood Edna Molewa, the late
Minister of Environmental Affairs.
Many readers were thrilled when I related how Sis Edna and I — because of our lighter skin pigmentation — were able to dupe the Afrikaner ticket man at the Bela-Bela mineral baths that we were
Coloureds.
Indians and Coloureds had the privilege of being allowed into a segregated section of the mineral baths.
Another column which fired the imagination of many readers was the one in which I paid tribute to my late buddy, Ray Chikapa Phiri.
Older readers were also mesmerised by my personal memories of the late guitar maestro, Phillip Nchipi Tabane.
I have also name-dropped my continuing communication with old-time homeboy, the crooner and guitarist Vusi Mahlasela, of Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.
Many readers had fun when I related how at Moretele Primary School, the choirmaster nudged Vusi to sing soprano solo in the place of a female chorister.
But strange enough, I have forgotten to share with readers the time that I was in a choir conducted by Elia Motuba at Ribane-Laka Secondary School.
During rehearsals ahead of the Southern Transvaal regional eisteddfods, Elia roped in the expert assistance of his dad, Mr Motuba, who happened to be the composer of the song called “Tshwane”!
On the occasion of the eisteddfods, the most famous choirmaster, Mr Makgalemele of Mamelodi High School, came out tops, beating the lot of us, backed by Elia Motuba and his composer dad.
Serious!
We take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
— The Beat
