Teamwork makes the dream work - a story about Gqeberha’s media houses.

On image: Media representatives in action at the launch of Brad and Alice Andrews Preserve.

Maybe let's start here - who takes care of the doctors who take care of the community? Who supports psychologists when they need the very same help, they offer others? One might think there’s no answer to these questions, but it should be other professionals who do the same work they do - like duh?! It couldn’t be anyone else. Though, I stand to be corrected.

Anyway, this article isn’t about answering those so-called tricky questions. It’s about recognizing the professionals who serve our communities yet are rarely acknowledged or celebrated. And, let’s be honest, it was never the community’s role to recognize them - after all, the community isn’t physically present to witness them on duty. But their colleagues and associates? They see their hard work firsthand and can celebrate them for the dedication they bring to their craft.

Before I start sounding like a high school poet, let me get straight to the point and shine a light on the Gqeberha media houses that recently attended the launch of the Brad and Alice Andrews Preserve at Tanglewood Conservation Area, organized by the Global Humane Society.

It was a lightly showering Thursday morning, the 24th of April, when media representatives gathered in Humewood, ready to embark on the journey ahead. Excited for the day, we all climbed into three Hyundai Starias that transported us in style. Just before reaching Alexandria, a left turn led us onto a muddy gravel road - a moment that sparked an unspoken thought in everyone’s minds, Will we make it through the mud? And yes, that very question - though never spoken aloud - was soon answered when our vehicle got casually stuck.

Since it seemed like an easy situation to fix, we thought five minutes would be enough to get us going. Yet that five-minute stretched to nearly an hour! Surprisingly, though, it never felt that long - because instead of frustration, we found an opportunity to engage and build stronger connections. In the car were representatives from YoMedia, Browns PR, SABC, Kingfisher FM, and Konvenient, driven by a calm and composed Indian gentleman named Fizel.

Since it was chilly, someone eventually stumbled upon a flask full of coffee while looking for more water to quench our thirst. The funny part? There were no cups! But problem-solving landed perfectly when we used water bottles to enjoy the coffee - a moment of pure ingenuity in the middle of nowhere.

I must say, despite being stranded in a farmland, the nearest community members were incredibly warm and welcoming. Some even offered to help us while we waited for rescue.

Eventually, help arrived - two experienced men in Ranger vehicles. Within minutes, it became clear that Skhumbuzo, one of the drivers, was the most skilled and professional among them. His confidence and charisma shone through as he cheerfully assisted the team in getting unstuck. Once we were moving again, Skhumbuzo led us on an adventurous, bumpy, mud-covered drive to make sure we arrived at the event on time. No doubt about it - Skhumbuzo was the hero of the day.

And just when we thought the challenges were behind us, our journey home proved otherwise.

Before I get into that, let me take a moment to appreciate the event itself - because wow, it was stunning! Shout-out to Boast Events for delivering high-quality décor in the African bush. The experience was enhanced by beautiful traditional songs from African Drumbeat, delicious meals from 78 on Havelock, and perfectly brewed coffee from Lincoln’s Coffee. And of course, many other stakeholders helped make the day flawless - huge appreciation to them all.

The moment of truth.

Now, back to the road. Mud. Again. Another serious stuck.

But this time, something truly special happened. I got to witness the real character of the media representatives who were there. Everyone jumped out of the cars, ready to help one another move forward. Women who couldn’t physically assist cheered and strategized solutions. It was a raw display of teamwork, resilience, and camaraderie.

To me, this moment proved that these media houses have hired the right people - not just skilled professionals but individuals who go the extra mile to overcome challenges together. And isn’t that the essence of journalism? Adaptability, problem-solving, and unwavering determination - only this time, it played out in a completely different setting but still made perfect sense.

Honestly, I couldn’t have imagined a better group to be stranded with than the incredible people who were there that day. I also feel fortunate to share the story of my colleagues in the media space - because while the community may not have the opportunity to do so, those of us who witness and experience the remarkable work of these unsung heroes must ensure their stories are told. After all, it is our duty to tell the stories of those who tell the stories.

Shout-out to BROWNS PR for leading the day, and to all media representatives from MyPE, DAILY MAVERICK, SABC, MEDIA24, FIREFLY THE TRAVEL GUY, PE EXPRESS, THE HERALD, YO MEDIA, KINGFISHER FM, ALGOA FM, MPK TV, BAY FM, 041online, NETWERK24 and all the other representatives who helped make the day a WIN!