The importance of Blogging for Student Journalists.

By Mia Simpson

Blogging is important in journalism as it allows for a person to actively include their audiences and write about content which excites them. In the same regard

this is important for students to become accustomed to as they begin their journey in the journalistic world.

Blogging for students allows for them to actively write content which excites them and share them to their blog. While in the beginning, their content may not be seen by many viewers, as they are less known, but it allows for them to learn the dos and don’ts at an early stage.

Blogging is a great starting point for any writer as you are still in control of the content you make and share with people. It helps you to understand people on a different level as you try to understand, not only what you want to share with people, but also what they want to hear about. The goal of any journalist is to leave an impression on readers, and blogging is a great starting point on learning how to accomplish that.

Accomplishing the goal of leaving an impression, forces a student to write in a manner which is analytical of their own writing. This will ultimately improve the entirety of their blog as their writing becomes more refined and, in many ways, more professional.

Student blogs are also a great way for student bloggers to showcase their writing skills, and to monitor their improvement over time. Their writing and even communication skills, with regards to communicating their ideas or interests, will become easier to them as they continue to grow from one piece to another.

Allowing readers of the blog to communicate with the student journalists will also assist them in bettering their writing, and even refining the content they wish to share with their audience.

Overall, blogs are extremely important in assisting the improvement of journalists, both young and old. It allows for creative freedom and criticism. Both are essential in the learning process for student journalists.

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Brent Meersman: Favored Foodie and Cultural Critic

By Mia Simpson

Brent Meersman, a well-known Capetonian review writer, captivates and cultivates the restaurant industry as a light-hearted and friendly-neighborhood foodie.

Having written for Mail and Guardian for years, reviewing theatre shows, Meersman began reviewing restaurants in 2008. He became well-known for his pieces, welcoming communication with his newfound audience.

As a review writer it is important to perfectly describe your subject. This is done in a way which allows readers to formulate their own opinion and create intrigue. The final desired result of any review is to suggest, in this regard, whether the restaurant is worth visiting.

Meersman has been in the industry for years, writing on a wide variety of cuisine ranging from different ethnicities. He considers Cape town as “the most sophisticated, diverse, food-conscious city in Africa.” He goes on to say that it is “the perfect playground for the restaurant reviewer.”[1] In many ways Meersman perfectly encapsulates the Capetonian flavor, doing so in an honest yet humorous manner.

He includes humor in the slightest manner, simply by referring to the people he dines with as “muchkin”, a favorable term which became known by his audiences. This is a true sigh of a good review writer as he writes in a tasteful manner, ensuring that the true context of the review is not lost while allowing some humanity to solidify the writing.

Giving character to the piece creates a bond with readers. Having perfectly structured a review allows for it to flow and keep the readers eye. This is why the inclusion of humor in some instances is considered necessary.

He is extremely well-written and captivating in his structure, holding the attention of the reader throughout the entire piece. He follows all the rules as a review writer and it is even carried into his other writings, showing his professionalism and experience in the field.

Not only is he well versed in his writing skills, but he understands the ‘rules’. Although review writing allows for creativity to seep into the piece, important steps must be taken to write the perfect review.

The key to good review writing is to set the stage for the reader, help them understand why you chose to dine at the restaurant you are reviewing, providing a detailed summary of the texture, flavors, and appearance of the meals you were served. Meersman does this in a tasteful manner, allowing only his opinion to make an appearance, not suggesting how the reader should feel or think, another factor in review writing.

He is fair in his writing, understanding that not all cuisine is going to be up to the expected cultural standard. Meersman comments lightly on people’s expectation that cuisine must be as similar to its traditional counterpart. He excuses this expectation, complimenting the way in which these locally based restaurants are able, in their best attempt, to recreate these meals.

Meersman speaks on not only the South African cuisine but also the socio-economic situation South Africa and its citizens face. His account on the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown is a prime example of this inclusion and merging of his own personal interests. While the occurrences in Grahamstown may not necessarily food-based content, Meersman includes vital background context.[2]

Meersman is a prime example of a talented writer and in the opinion of many and mentioned personally by Meersman in his piece titled ‘Bitten by the Food Bug’ he speaks of strangers on the street approaching him and questioning him on what his next review will cover, showing clear interest in his opinion.

Many struggle to capture the attention and admiration of audiences as it can be very difficult to find a ‘beat’ that will capture the masses, but Meersman has done just that often shifting with the times and following the trend of the public.

Brent Meersman continues to write about South Africa, an extension of his passion for SA cuisine. Although he is not necessarily writing food reviews presently, Meersman wrote a book in 2021 discussing the so-called “South African reality”[3]. Now 50 years old, Meersman has been writing as a journalist, novelist, and columnist in South Africa for over 20 years and counting.

While Meersman may not be a house-hold name in the common regard, in many ways he has solidified his name as a formidable writer, journalist, columnist and critic.

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[1] Meersman, B (2013), Bitten by the Food Bug. https://mg.co.za/article/2013-09-20-00-bitten-by-the-food-bug/ [2] Meersman, B (2015) Rethinking the National Arts Festival. https://thisisafrica.me/arts-and-culture/rethinking-the-national-arts-festival/ [3] Meersman, B (2021), Rattling the Cage. https://www.panmacmillan.co.za/authors/brent-meersman/rattling-the-cage/9781770107724

The Winding Beauty of Roeland Street.

Attractions and landmarks alike, Roeland Street is the gateway to Cape Town’s core.

By Mia Simpson

Roeland Street situated in the East District of Cape Town has become the middle ground for many tourist attractions and famous landmarks, such as the District Six museum, the company gardens and the Parliament building.

The Parliament building, prefaced with the statue of Lovis Botha, stands as the mark of authority. The head to the snake, situated at the top of Roeland Street watching over the hustle and bustle. This is the same place where many citizens have taken to the streets to protest.

Parliament has become the place to go when you need your demands met, or your voice heard. In the past few weeks there have been protests carried out by the Democratic Alliance (DA), and this is not an uncommon occurrence.

Over the years many have gathered outside the building, chanting their demands, and calling to the higher powers to carry them out accordingly.

Situated at cross-roads, it becomes extremely difficult to avoid these protests or movements, with Roeland Street acting as a sort of gateway to other major landmarks and attractions.

Taking a left off Roeland Street will lead you past the Iziko Slave Lodge and to the famous Company Gardens.

The Slave Lodge serves as a very clear reminder of what slaves, who were brought to Cape Town decades ago, had to endure. This landmark, while holding sad history, allows citizens to understand the darker history of our past.

The Gardens are a beautiful distraction from not only the darker history of Cape Town but the hustle and bustle of city life too. While you can still hear the commotion of the streets, the Gardens serve as a reminder of the natural beauty right on our doorstep.

As you walk the Gardens you are led to the Iziko South African Museum. It is here that you can walk through the history of Nelson Mandela, natural exhibits and even gaze at the stars in the planetarium, which is located just outside the museum. This is a fun family friendly way to see our city and to educate the younger generations

Taking a left off Roeland Street will lead you to the Castle of Good Hope, built in 1666, remains one of the oldest colonial buildings. It holds the history of our countries foundation and is one of the most visited sites in Cape Town.

With its beautiful architecture dating back decades sitting amongst modernized buildings, Roeland acts as a look into the past and the beauty of Cape Town. While taking in the beauty of the city, you can visit dine-in spots.

Barney’s Bistro and Merle’s Schnitzel are only two of the many stop off points that one may make along Roeland Street. Affordable and delicious food can be found here, drawing in more tourist interest.

Although South Africa’s history is tainted in many ways, the ability to look back into those times with interest is important as a South African citizen. Roeland street allows you to do this in a flowing manner.

Roeland Street is amazing in its ability to connect the whole of Cape Town and her history through one street. Everything seems to connect to the street and while not all of Cape Town’s well- known attractions are linked to Roeland, they are in the immediate environment.

This makes Roeland Street the middle point for sightseers, with everything starting at the Parliament Building in all its stark white beauty.

When travelling along Roeland Street, become aware and try to look around, appreciate the beauty just along one road. Stop in at some of the smaller dine-in spots and support small businesses. Why not? When it can all be found in one place.