STEPPING IT UP AT SABC NEWS (2017 INTERNSHIP)

When I first arrived at the SABC Studios and Newsroom in Sea Point, Cape Town, I was not expecting the kind of experience I eventually gained. I was met by Zoliswa who welcomed me warmly and took me to the offices where I was greeted by many of the staff members and introduced to the editors, producers, interns, news reporters and cameramen. It was an honour to meet Mariska Botha and Vanessa Poonah, two of SABCs top news reporters. It was decided I would work shadow Mariska. I signed the necessary indemnity forms. The team was rushing around organising where they would be going and who they could interview as it was Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. On the way to our interview, I was told what it takes to be a journalist. I asked many questions. By the time we arrived at the house, my head was buzzing with information. We introduced ourselves, set up the equipment outside and interviewed an elderly man. To assist the team, I held the microphone. Once our work there was done, we went back to the offices where I was shown how to edit the filming.

On my second day, I was presented with an SABC mug and told to make myself at home. I was now a member of the team. I was to shadow Vanessa Poonah, with cameraman, Clinton. The team could not find a member of the public to interview about the water crisis in Cape Town. I had a few ideas and offered to find them someone. I contacted a few people and eventually decided on an old work colleague of my mother’s, Antoinette Van Eyssen. We met at her house setting up the camera in her guest area and Vanessa interviewed her. We took different still shots for the news page, and finished up with the segment. I really felt part of the team. I helped to carry the equipment.

On day three I appeared on television at the OUTA press conference, my first real press conference. I gathered all the important documents I thought I would need, a notepad and pen and ensured I looked presentable and camera-ready. I felt honoured to attend the event. I was introduced to other news agencies, reporters and cameramen as one of the team, and a couple of times referred to as a news reporter! “I’m with the SABC”, I retorted. I took lots of photos and videos. I was ready to take notes and to write an article with the inside scoop. After the speeches and discussion, I interviewed the director of the association, using some of my own questions. Back at the office Vanessa and Pietie agreed to “put Annika on TV, to show her lecturers that she’s really work shadowing”. That evening I featured on television.

On my fourth day I chose to go to the aquarium where they were releasing new ragged tooth sharks into the main tank. We filmed in the pouring rain. I assisted the team by carrying the equipment once more. I was able to get very close to the front, where I took many photos and videos. Back at the office I was given the opportunity to properly edit for the first time. I went home that day feeling fulfilled and very excited.

The second last day of my work shadowing proved to be the most hectic, yet one of the most incredible days and experiences. I arrived at the offices, to find out that we were going to cover the service delivery protests in the informal settlement of Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay. When we got out the car, there was chaos everywhere – branches blocking the roads, an overturned vehicle, and scores of residents, protesters and police. Noma, the news reporter looked at me seriously and said: “I’m not sure we should be taking you into this protest. I’m not sure you’re ready for it. Things can get very dangerous and hectic”. I responded simply, “I am ready”. I knew I would rise to the challenge, no matter what danger it would bring, as the only way to learn is to immerse yourself in the situation. I wanted to make the most of my work shadowing, and here was an opportunity. The non-arrival of Mayor Patricia de Lille sparked anger amongst the protestors which led to me having to run away from police firing guns, dodging rubber bullets and trying to avoid the objects being thrown in all directions. I turned around to find a policeman firing a gun in my direction. I saw the flames from the gun and heard the sounds of the shot. It was scary. I thought I had a minor PTSD, following the whole ordeal. While I was running I inhaled the teargas, unintended. One of the ENCA news reporters, rescued me and gave me advice on what to do. She then went on to do a live-stream reporting on the protest. I was in the background and appeared on television once more. I was exhausted at the end of a long day, however complimented on the way I had handled the situation. This event really got me thinking. Someone died that day and it could have been me, yet I was still determined to capture as much of the story as possible.

The last day of work shadowing saw me going to court with one of the interns. The court case we were supposed to cover was postponed, which resulted in us sitting through three other court hearings. Afterwards, prosecutor Mr. Anderson informed us about and handed us documents related to the court case. I was asked to read over and edit the script for the radio report segment.

Before returning to Rhodes, I went back to the offices to collect my evaluation forms. I was told that I was welcome to return at any time. I said my goodbyes and left feeling very grateful to have been given this opportunity. I realised news reporting was another possibility for me and this sparked my idea for the article I wrote on the reality of the daily lives of news reporters. My passion was fuelled once more and the fire in me is still burning bright; bright as ever.