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The benefits of discomfort
Stellen-Buzz with SMF
July 25, 2025
Dear reader,
A few common pieces of advice for people wanting to change their life are to “get out of your comfort zone”, or, more poetically, “do one thing a day that scares you”. I have just summarised the main idea of most self-help books released in the previous 10 years.
This is a sound argument, and a philosophy adopted wholeheartedly in the journalism department. It may not be embraced fondly by everyone, but whether we approach it reluctantly or with great enthusiasm, we have all faced numerous scary things this year. Scary things may vary from stun grenades to compounding deadlines, and even getting harassed for taking photos, but they are all relatively unpleasant to deal with. Our comfort zones have undoubtedly been exited.
I alternate between extreme gratitude for everything I have learned this year due to this discomfort and anxiety about what comes next. It has been made clear to us numerous times that journalism is not a comfortable field to work in. Disregarding the income (which we all know is no cause for concern), the responsibility of providing reliable and truthful information to people can be taxing.
On Monday, we had the honour of receiving a lunch-time seminar by Tony Karon, the managing editor at AJ+, who inspired a great deal of excitement about the discomfort of journalism. Karon was an active anti-apartheid journalist, and he spoke candidly about the destructive impact of Western media on the way that news is framed and perceived – a legacy of colonialism that is ingrained in how information is communicated. Karon explained the deliberate effort to humanise and contextualise the news at Al Jazeera, which is in stark contrast to the attitudes of many Western media outlets. He offered an important piece of advice for us as young journalists: “Be morally committed but politically independent.”
The BAHons Journalism class has been busy filming this whole week (for future festival-worthy documentaries), but we have the commendable determination to report on news as well. SMF News is well stocked with articles, and we are bright-eyed with hope for the coming weeks.
Anke Spies, newsletter editor.
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The weekly rundown:
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Flights back to South Africa were secured for all 28 remaining members of a local football academy who were stuck in Europe. |  By Anke Spies |
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 By Annemieke Thomaidis | A wine centre and tourism hub outside Stellenbosch is going up for sale in a sealed bidding process starting from 31 July. |
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A newly-launched non-profit company (NPC) fed over 200 students at its first soup kitchen on Mandela Day. |  By Iman Allie |
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Behind the scenes
The BAHons Journalism class of 2025 is currently busy with documentary storytelling, which meant a week of icy mornings and interesting poses in various places across Stellenbosch…
Get to know me!
What is your favourite song and who is your favourite artist?
I have so many favourites, but one that I am always drawn to is Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens. I first heard it when I watched Call Me by Your Name, and I have played it on repeat ever since. I don’t know if I have a favourite artist, but I will say when I was younger I was obsessed with One Direction, and that translated into a loyal following of Harry Styles.
What is your favourite film?
My favourite film is probably The Polar Express. I watch it every year with my family on Christmas Day. Fun fact: Tom Hanks played five different characters in that movie.
What is your favourite book, and what are you currently reading?
Oh gosh! This is maybe the hardest question I've been asked. If I must pick one, it has to be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I have read that book several times and the emotions it evokes will never change.
I am currently reading I Will Not Be Silenced by Karyn Maughan and I hope to read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin next.
What is your favourite place you’ve ever visited and why?
I think my favourite place is the Kruger National Park. Being around animals, especially the incredibly majestic ones Africa has to offer, makes me feel so at peace. EXCEPT when there is a baboon around.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I honestly have no idea. This year, I have had the opportunity to meet people I never thought I would. So maybe I should manifest meeting Eben Etzebeth.
If you weren’t studying journalism, what would you be doing?
Probably something in sport. I considered biokinetics for a while but opted for media.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I used to take singing lessons, and every year my singing teacher would put on a big show at The Barnyard Theatre at Emperors Palace and we would record songs and perform them on stage. It was really professional, and honestly, the most fun I have ever had.
What is your current guilty pleasure?
Watching The Summer I Turned Pretty.
What do you do if you’re not busy working?
Playing hockey, running, or reading. I recently got into beading, which is so relaxing – the complete opposite of what this degree has been.
What do you want to achieve this year?
I would like to get through this year with no injuries.
Seriously though, I think I would like to produce an in-depth [project] worth being proud of.
What we’re watching: | What we’re listening to: |
 | A Change Is Gonna Come Sam Cooke  |
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