By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
“Let me first start by thanking ALEX FM 89.1 and Alex Reporter for giving me opportunities to enhance my skills. I’m who I am today because of them.
“A big thank you for everyone who has contributed in my journalism career. I would like to announce that I’m officially embarking on a new chapter with the SABC Kids News family and I would like everyone to walk this journey with me.
“From Limpopo, Burgersfort to the world,” says an excited Given Motswiane (23).
He said that he had always wanted to be in the media industry, but that he never knew what path to take to get to the fourth estate , as the media is called.
“In high school I was also active when we participated in some of the art activities. That’s when I realized that I have a passion in storytelling,” he said.
Given began as a Facebook blogger, gathering news around his community and later after matric, Alex FM “recognized me and offered me a job”.
He holds a qualification in TV and Radio broadcasting. “This year it’s my last year completing my journalism qualification which marks 5 years in the journalism industry,” says the talented young man.
His journey to greener pastures was not a walk in the park. There were a lot of thorns that were viciously abusing him. But he continued Johnnie Walking with dream, passion and commitment.
He says having no better equipment as a community reporter had been a setback that had limited his level of storytelling “in our communities”.
“And that made me to strive and use old tactics of journalism when they used to collect stories back in the olden days.”
His contributions to Alex Reporter as a freelancer enabled him to gain more experience in the media fraternity.
His message to the youth is, “It doesn’t matter where you come from… there is no limit in the sky.
“Start somewhere to be somewhere, invest in your craft , master what you do and have passion for what you do and money will follow after.”