KNYSNA NEWS - If you finished that headline in your head with 'General Kenobi', then I appreciate you taking time out of your Star Wars marathon to read this piece.
If not, then well, the force is perhaps not strong with you. Either way, I've probably just butchered two Star Wars references and upset a fanbase. But, we're not here to discuss Star Wars lore, are we?
Well I'm not, because I'm here to simply say, Howzit. As you have probably read, outgoing KPH editor Chris du Plessis has retired this week and in the process has passed the baton on to me, Blake Linder, to take over as news editor of the Knysna-Plett Herald.
Those of you that know me, might be wondering 'how can they let a guy that can't even match his socks be news editor of a newspaper?' And for those of you who don't know me, you're certainly wondering that now too.
But don't you worry, even with mis-matched socks (purposefully mismatched, might I add) I cannot wait to get going at the helm of this ship.
I've been working as a journalist at the Knysna-Plett Herald since May 2019, when I joined from the Roodepoort Northsider (yes, Roodepoort) in Johannesburg. I didn't grow up there though; I grew up in the far, far away land of Limpopo, which to many Western Cape residents may sound like something out of a fairy tale.
I assure you it's not though. I spent my primary school years in Musina and my high school years, as well as one out-of-school internship year, in Tzaneen before making the move to Johannesburg to pursue my career in journalism.
A year-and-a-half later I found myself in Knysna, and suffice it to say, I've never looked back.
Knysna, you have been incredibly good to me, in more ways than you can imagine. I felt at home here faster than I ever could in Jo'burg. You've given me the chance to be nominated for and win awards, you've afforded me the chance to go Sweden, for crying out loud.
If it weren't for you and the amazing stories you create, I'd have nothing to write or tell, and for that I am eternally indebted to you.
All my life I've had an undying and unwavering passion for sport, and working at Knysna-Plett Herald has only further enhanced this passion and love for sport.
Without trying to sound like a campaigning politicking politician, I want to repay that during my time as news editor.
You've shown faith in me where others haven't, and I intend to do the same. This town is growing faster than you can say 'nice, nê' and I for one cannot wait to see what lies in store for us. But for now I say thank you, and may the force be with you.
PS. Luke, I am not your father
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