Business manager, community titles – Mauneen Charter: The readers, advertisers and staff are what makes TotT special. I am also exceptionally proud that we have been instrumental in developing staff to become the best in the industry. Some having become award-winning journalists at Daily Dispatch, Sunday Times and other publications. Community newspapers provide the best experience for journalists as they have to be proficient in stories ranging from the mundane to the ridiculous, emerging as well-rounded writers.”
Ads Admin Manager, Community Titles, Anneli Hanstein: “I’ve been working at TotT for 13 years and came here first as a student fresh out of varsity. I’ve learnt the real meaning of deadlines and what a vital part they are in newspapers. Also keeping up to date with technology for example online ads and so forth. The best thing about working at TotT is the staff; we’ve had many different people working here through the years and there is a definite family vibe. We’ve attended each other’s weddings, baby showers and sadly even funerals. Coming to work on a Monday isn’t a schlep because you are greeted by friendly faces who genuinely want to know how you are doing.”
News Editor, Jon Houzet: “I have been working at Talk of the Town for nearly 11 years and in that time I have seen many staff members come and go, but there has been a core of long-serving staff that have given this business its family feel – a place where you feel at home, care about each other and are able to work together well, each bringing our various gifts and skills that fit together to bring out a great product. In those 11 years I have also seen how this newspaper has grown and developed to keep up with changes in technology and to better serve its community. Sometimes it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but we have adapted and all do our best. One of the best impressions I have of the impact our newspaper has on the community is when people come up to me in the mall, or the street, or at a function or church meeting, and tell me how much they appreciate TotT, how they read it from front to back and often mentioning the opinion piece I write every week. It is encouraging to know we are well-read and liked in our community.”
Graphic designer, Hayden Hanstein: “Working at Talk of the Town for 16 years, I can truly say that the people you work with become part of your family. People have come and gone and we all still stay in contact. I don’t think there are many other places where that can happen. I have learnt that deadlines never change and that even under great stressful times, you can still bring out a product that you can be truly proud of. When the paper first started, I also learnt that people can survive on very little sleep, hard work does pay off and that you really can go to work and love your job.”
Reporter, Rob Knowles: “TotT was only my second job as a reporter, and I have been at the paper now for seven and a half years. News editor Jon Houzet taught me more about the business in my first six months than I ever learnt about anything from anyone else in that space of time. Although, like all families, we sometimes have different points of view, we also have respect for one another so things never get out of control. And let me tell you, if it wasn’t for the generosity of Mauneen, Barbara as well as the rest of the team, I wouldn’t have any clothes to walk around in. I would be a naked reporter, and no one really wants that.”
Reporter, Louise Carter: “I am the boss of the men in Editorial. The last four years have been wild; it has had very high ups, some lows and it has always had a fair share of unpredictability. I love working in the news environment and while the task is sometimes challenging and overwhelming, knowing that the right probe on a specific story has led to uncovering dubious dealings and exposing the truth and in return serving our community, gives me a great personal satisfaction. I’m a believer in truth above everything, and I uphold justice and fairness integral to myself and as the pillars of society.
“I have learnt that a story can change a life, and the gratitude of people who you have served is the encouragement that keeps me going. Sometimes news can be a thankless and a harsh environment and often the saying ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ rings true. But despite this, I have grown a thick skin and I place a tremendous amount of value on positive people; happy people, innovators, entrepreneurs and people who drive the world forward.”
Sales representative, Bryan Smith: “Working at the Talk of the Town is an amazing experience; to enjoy not only your work and clients but also your colleagues is something that not everyone can boast.
“This is my third year with the Talk of the Town and I am immensely proud of each staff member as we each put forth our best effort to not only get the job done but to ensure it is done to the best of our ability. Each week we produce a high quality newspaper for the community and our website is only growing in strength. I look forward to many more years with the publication as we soar to greater and greater heights thanks to the tremendous support of our clients, readers and all involved with the Talk of the Town.”
Sales representative, Mitch Haupt: “Having worked in the sales department at Talk of the Town for the past year and a half, I have learnt a whole heap. Having an office full of many colourful people makes working at TotT an absolute pleasure. A vast sense of humour for all the team members’ definitely makes working at TotT a lot easier. As a sales rep, seeing different clients makes for an entertaining day. On the whole, TotT is a small but humble family, and I am proud to be associated with the team.”
Front desk, Kim van Belkum: “Working at TotT doesn’t feel like work at all. I have only worked here for five months but already it feels like family. There is so much team spirit and camaraderie. Everyone works hard but we have fun too. Coming from an FMCG(fast moving consumer products) background I knew nothing about the newspaper business but I am learning quickly with the help of this awesome team.”
Graphic designer, Jessie Bohnen: “I have been at TotT for almost a year, on and off, and look after layout of TotT’s sister publication, The Rep. Since I arrived I have felt like I was at home. I love having a voice. We all listen to each other’s ideas, and the whole team works together to make them happen.
“We all support each other and work together. I love being appreciated and listened to and there is always laughter and smiles in the office. I have learnt a lot about the newspaper industry, especially how stressful it can be. But we are a strong team and we always manage to figure everything out. I love working at a newspaper as I get to learn a lot about my town and all the amazing, weird and wonderful people holding it together and I have made some incredible lifetime friends while being here. The coffee is pretty good too.”
Advertising coordinator, Noxolo Blouw: “Since joining TotT almost four years ago I’ve learnt so many things. Colleagues taught me about the industry and shared their knowledge with me. I am surrounded by a diverse team, all intelligent and friendly people and I have experienced a lot of beautiful memories that will stay forever in my memory.”
General worker, Cynthia Pase: “I have been working at TotT for fifteen years as a dedicated coffee lady, cleaner and general worker. I am very happy here; we all love each other and everybody is very friendly. It feels like a family environment. It’s a fun experience working for the newspaper industry and my favourite part of my job is I can sing and dance and joke around with my colleagues.”
