When Truth Becomes the Casualty: A Message to the Media’s Self-Appointed Executioners

By Douglas Mthukwane

It appears that the local tabloids—sorry, newspapers—have found a new target to sensationalize, butcher, and misrepresent. Yes, I'm talking about The Diamond Fields Advertiser (or should we just call it the “Gutter Gazette”?) and its sister-in-crime, Noordkaap (a.k.a. “The Whispering Wipe”), spearheaded by Norma Wildenboer, Ms. Sandi Kwon Hoo and Ms. Charne Kemp, respectively. Ladies, I applaud your creativity in fabricating drama, but alas, your fiction-writing skills are no match for the truth.

Let me make something abundantly clear to these self-anointed gatekeepers of misinformation: I was not made by the media, and I will certainly not be unmade by it.

You see, the craft of journalism, which I have proudly honed over the years, is not a game of petty grudges and racially charged vendettas. Journalism is a noble profession—a mirror to society, a spotlight on injustice, and, when wielded correctly, a ladder out of squalor for the voiceless. But alas, it seems the only ladder my media "colleagues" are familiar with is the one they climbed out of the ethical abyss.

From Journalism to Juvenile Vendettas

Ms. Kwon Hoo, the “news editor,” and Ms. Kemp, the regional bard of slander, appear to have traded in their journalistic ethics for a soapbox of spite. My successes as an investigative journalist and my commitment to nonpartisan, developmental journalism have clearly ignited a firestorm of envy. But here’s the kicker: Instead of rising to the challenge, they’ve chosen to drag my name through the mud in a desperate attempt to remain relevant.

Ms. Kwon Hoo, your editorial slant is so skewed it might qualify as an Olympic sport. And Ms. Kemp, your writing is as predictable as a reality TV script—full of empty drama and zero substance. While you were busy spinning lies, I was busy spinning truth into action. While you chose the low road of clickbait and racial innuendo, I chose the high road of activism and applied knowledge.

The Mission They’ll Never Understand

For me, journalism isn’t about selling headlines; it’s about selling hope. It’s about empowering communities, inspiring change, and exposing corruption. My mantra—"Knowledge is not power; applied knowledge is power!"—is something you might consider printing out and sticking to your newsroom walls.

Unlike you, I see the media as a strategic partner for positive societal transformation, not a weapon for personal vendettas. I aim to uplift, not tear down. I build bridges where you burn them. And yet, here we are, with you desperately clawing at my reputation in the vain hope of bringing me down to your level.

Go Fly a Kite (And Take a Journalism Course While You’re At It)

So, to my so-called media assassins, here’s my parting gift: a proverbial kite and a gust of wind. Go fly it! Use the time to reflect on the essence of journalism. Revisit the basics of professionalism, truth, and quality reporting. Remember that readers aren’t fools; they can smell bias, sensationalism, and dishonesty from a mile away.

When you’re ready to rejoin the world of journalism as it’s meant to be, perhaps we can have a conversation. Until then, keep playing in your sandbox of lies and half-truths. As for me, I’ll be here, using my fire to ignite change—not burn down reputations.