Dear reader,

This week, the BAHons Journalism class saw a record number of sick students skipping class. I am calling it skipping because I am slightly bitter that I am one of the healthy ones who did not get to stay home. I am sure everyone had the appropriate doctor’s letters as required.

We are all in better physical condition and spirits today. I am aware that my letters are frequently infused with a slight air of negativity, but ultimately there is much to be positive about. We started with our Arts Journalism submodule this week (yay!), which spurred the whole class into debates about the role and value of art. Our dendrites are fully activated for the coming weeks of SMF production. 

In other good news:

Thando Volontiya, a self-taught ice cream specialist, started his business, GQ Creamery, in his apartment two years ago. On 1 September, Volontiya will open his own ice cream store in Newton Park. This is according to an article by Nkosazana Ngwadla published on 17 August.

Read here: Scooping success — GQ Creamery’s leap from living room to Newton Park store

Mook Lion, a well-known South African street artist, was recently commissioned to create murals for a conservation hub in the Eastern Cape. According to the writer, “it’s a vision of hope and what’s possible when people and nature work together”. The article was published by Savanna Douglas on 20 August.

Read here: SA Street Artist Creates Two Beautiful Murals for Eastern Cape Conservation Hub

SANParks has teamed up with non-profit organisations and local communities to launch the Rhino Renaissance Campaign, which is aimed at restoring the population of white rhinos in the Kruger National Park. “It’s changing the rhino conservation narrative from death and despair to one of a rhino renaissance,” said Rhino Renaissance director Dave Varty. This is according to an article published by the Good Work Foundation on 20 August.

Read here: Tracking change: rhino project empowers young people to write a ‘new chapter’ in SA’s conservation story - The Home Of Great South African News

While so-called “soft news” does not always draw the most attention, it is important to remind ourselves that positive change is always happening! For SMF good news, check out the article Cloetesville learner to represent SA in China by journalist Christopher Naidoo.

Anke Spies, newsletter editor.

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