Johan du Plessis, the DFA's longest-serving editor, is stepping down from his position. Picture: Danie van der Lith
DEAR readers, advertisers, colleagues, and friends,
Throughout life, there always comes a time for change, and my time is now.
After 32 years at the DFA, 22 of them as editor, it is time to step aside. And what a journey and privilege it has been. There were hardships, tears, hard work, joy, celebration, and sadness . . . but I would not trade any moment of this journey for anything else.
I had the honour of working with some great journalists and commercial people during my 32 years. They include Kevin Ritchie, former editor of the DFA and former editor of the Star. I was his deputy editor for 10 years, and he taught me (almost) everything I know. Others were the legendary Vusi Tukakhomo and former DFA news editor Patsy Beangstrom (who always kept me on my toes). I wish I could name all of them.
And, of course, to the team I leave behind now, not just in editorial but also in commercial . . . it has truly been an honour.
During this journey, I witnessed a country and a world change . . . we became a democracy, the world survived Covid, and our city transformed – for better or for worse. And the DFA was there every step of the way.
As a journalist, I met so many people, including all of South Africa’s presidents (yes, even the great Nelson Mandela), ambassadors, and the Queen’s husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. However, the most important people I dealt with every day were the people of Kimberley – the people to whom this newspaper truly 'belongs'. Thank you for your support.
I could fill this entire newspaper with memories and stories from a 32-year journey. But one I will always remember is a phone call I received one morning.
On the other end was an elderly lady. It was a Friday morning, and the paper was a bit late. She said: “Boetie, is jy die editor?” (Young man, are you the editor?)
I said: “Ja, tannie. Hoe kan ek help?” (Yes, ma’am. How can I help?)
“Luister,” she said. “Die koerant is laat!” (Listen, the newspaper is late!)
“Jammer, tannie. Ons manne is oppad. Die koerant sal nou daar wees.” (Sorry, ma’am. Our guys are on their way. The newspaper will be there shortly.)
And she replied: “Jy verstaan nie, boetie. Die oom kan nie sy dinge doen sonder die koerant nie. Hy sit en knyp want hy gaan nie badkamer toe sonder sy koerant nie!” (You don’t understand, young man. My husband can’t do his business without the newspaper. He’s sitting and holding it in because he won’t go to the bathroom without his newspaper!)
I can promise you the newspaper was never late again. I even delivered it myself on a few occasions.
That is what it means to "be" the DFA, and that is what it meant to me to have been its editor for so many years
After the DFA, you may move on to bigger things, but never greater. That I believe.
This is Johan du Plessis "signing off" as editor of the DFA. I wish the team that will now take it further all the best. Your journey continues.