STUDENTS EXPLORE THE MOTHER CITY

By: Lindokuhle Mnisi

@LindokuhleMnisi

Students interviews cadac school trainer at the Independent Newspapers.

Second year Journalism students of the Tshwane University of Technology went on a trip to Cape Town. Among other things, they learned and experienced life differently in the city.

This trip takes the group of students every year for a week in September to explore and get exposed to the Cape Town life and write then about it. Students visit many places including the Parliament, Robben Island and a media houses such as the SABC and the Independent Newspaper house.

During the approximate 19hours drive from Soshanguve Campus to the Cape, students enjoyed a ride with two Translux Buses which were specially booked for the trip. The “first class” buses collected students from the campus. The structure and the outside appearance of the buses fascinated most people and enhanced enthusiasm among the journalism students who were going on the trip. “This is one of the best buses I’ve ever embarked on. I am certain that this is going to be the greatest journey ever,” said Karabo Tebele, one of the students.

In arrival, students had less than 10 minutes to prepare themselves for the Robben Island trip. While other students were transported to the Sea Point, the rest had to wait for another bus at Amalfi Exclusive Suite Hotel where they were accommodated. “The Hotel is super amazing. I can’t believe I’ll be spending five nights in this place. It is so exclusive and top class (sic). I’ll take a hot shower when we come back (from Robben Island),” said Paseka Menyau, a student.

The tour at the Island went very well with students and other tourists from abroad (England, Britain, India etc) asking many questions to the tour guide. “I am from England and I came with my wife to see the place where Nelson Mandela was kept for many years,” said Robert Duvenage, said one of the tourists.

After the tour at Robben Island, students went to enjoy their quality time at Amalfi Hotel while some went to party at the famous clubs in Cape Town, Long Street. Sunday was a “free day” in which students would go to the beach, buy their groceries and have fun. “My roommates and I are doing a documentary about our moments in Cape Town. We are starting today. You must check it out soon on YouTube,” said Sthembiso Sithole.

On Monday, students were divided into two groups with the first group going to visit Independent Newspapers while the other went to the SABC. The experience was great with students getting to meet editors and asking questions about the media industry. Tuesday and Wednesday were scheduled for visits in Parliament. 

On the first day, students were told everything about the houses that form parliament. On the second day they got into a news conference where they met and questioned representatives of different political parties. This fascinated many students as they got to ask those deep questions that they’ve always wanted to ask politicians. “We usually see these people on TV and hear them on Radio and even read about them on newspapers, but today we got to meet and interact with them live. What a great experience,” Alice Mpholo said while leaving the conference room in parliament.

Thursday was the day in which students had to come back to Soshanguve. A group of individuals woke up and went to play beach soccer and capture their last moments. The two Translux buses left Cape Town at 16:45pm and arrived in Pretoria the next day around 13:00pm.