IHewu: Ukonga inxeba

Steps are being made to rejuvenate the fallen projects of Hewu.

I have completed the production of the three part series on IHewu, and I feel satisfied that I have managed to realise my aims for the series. Along the way, I had to change my plans in terms of sources, ending up using  fewer than I originally intended.  I nevertheless managed to capture some key trends with regards to the way the  region’s fortunes has changed, tracking this from its days under Ciskei rule and now in democratic South Africa. I have also managed to give a sense of the region's struggle, in the contemporary moment to maintain its sustainability and agricultural projects, which it was renowned for in the past. Most importantly, the peole who have expressed this message have been citizens from Hewu, who have ensured that this series is based on quality, in-depth accounts.

A story comes together

The main street of Whittlesea. The revamped Shiloh Irrigation Scheme can be seen in the background.

Feeling vindicated

In my previous blog entry I mentioned the kind of approach I will be taking in my interviews; an approach which gives the interviewee the platform to fully speak their mind on a given issue. This is indeed what I have done in my first round of interviews, and I feel vindicated. I have covered themes in this first stage of interviews, which have the potential to make the radio series I am producing even more powerful. 

A run-down factory building in Sada, Whittlesea.

Entering the unknown

I am about to begin the process of gathering content for my radio current affairs series.  This week, to kickstart the project,I am travelling to the Whittlesea region, armed with recorder and camera, where I am scheduled to interview a number of  citizens. I am determined to get in contact with as many people as possible, and have tried my best to prepare for this. Yet I am still concerned about how much content I am going to get.