Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
As a Business Day sub-editor who has been working on the print and web publication for the past five years, I offer 24 years’ experience as a senior magazine and newspaper sub-editor, writer, rewriter and photographer. A highly experienced language practitioner, I have decades’ knowledge in applying the intricacies of English grammar at print and online South African publications, as well as some experience teaching the language to young adults. Teaching the correct use of the language to second-language practitioners is a large part of my daily job. During my work as a text editor at mainstream English language newspapers such as the Cape Argus and BusinessDay I have garnered extensive knowledge about technical aspects of the language such as grammar and punctuation. The teaching of students I have done was at Good Hope Studies in Cape Town, South Africa. It was part of the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course administered by Cambridge English Language Assessment. In contrast to other TEFL courses, CELTA certification is recognised world-wide. After teaching English at a Cambridge level to young adults at Good Hope Studies in Cape Town, I feel confident that I will be able to do the same with primary school children. My current position follows a five-year stint at the former Independent Newspapers and a similar time at Media24 travel, motoring and corporate magazines. Adding magazine feature writing and photography – including glossy-magazine cover photographs – to my extensive sub-editing experience has turned me into an experienced all-rounder. My fields of specialisation include business, sport, travel, motoring, health and lifestyle, as well as general news. I hold three degrees – an Honours in Journalism, a BA (Law), both from Stellenbosch University, and a Master’s in Homoeopathy from the Durban University of Technology.
I'm a senior sub-editor who works on the print and electronic edition of Business Day.
I have taught students at Good Hope Studies in Cape Town, South Africa. It was part of the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course administered by Cambridge English Language Assessment. In contrast to other TEFL courses, CELTA certification is recognised world-wide. As part of the practice-orientated course, I did six hours (eight lessons) of assessed teaching practice over the four weeks. The students comprised foreign volunteer students, who often have refugee status. Trainees receive guidance from the tutors in planning their lessons, and after the lessons there is a group feedback session, with oral feedback from other trainees and the tutor. The tutor also gives detailed written feedback on the lesson. The teaching followed input sessions that included lesson planning; classroom management; methodology and lesson frameworks; and language analysis from the perspective of a foreign learner. Sessions are conducted using the learner-centred methodology that is encouraged in teaching practice, and in these sessions tutors model teaching techniques and concepts. This course has a very practical approach. A solid grounding is provided in teaching skills and techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness and sensitivity to student needs and on general language awareness.
I was a senior sub-editor at the Cape Argus, subbing sports and news copy.
As the dedicated text editor at the Media24 4x4 travel magazine Drive Out, I also doubled as its feature writer and photojournalist. I travelled extensively in southern Africa and especially the Western Cape, taking photographs and writing features. Simultaneously, I also produced cover photographs and freelance articles for the travel magazine go!/Weg.
I was a senior text editor, translator, writer and photographer working on both the English topCar and Afrikaans topMotor.
Editing Cape Times and Cape Argus editorial copy.