It is said that all good things come to an end, and so Louise Vale's stay at Grocott's Mail has ended.
It is said that all good things come to an end, and so Louise Vale's stay at Grocott's Mail has ended.
For me it came as a bit of a shock, as I had come to see Ms Vale as an institution, the mother of the organisation. I have only known her for the term that I have been here, which is not long I have to say, but change like death and taxes, something we have to accept, whether gracefully or ruefully.
In joining the paper in September 2003 when it was struggling financially, Vale was nervous, but knuckled down and met the challenge head-on. "I had never worked in the media," recalls Vale, whose extensive experience was in the education and training sector.
Professor Guy Berger, head of the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, recalls how she helped turn around the organisation. "The paper had a very small staff and only a minimal website. She helped improve the staffing, including the input by Rhodes students and interns from other journalism schools. During her term, the paper expanded to be on the cutting-edge of internet and mobile internet, as well as SMS news. It also initiated Upstart as a special vehicle for the youth, by the youth. Plus, there is now a citizen journalism newsroom that has computer facilities for the public," said Berger.
"She has set Grocott's on a new and sustainable path of social development through its spot-on coverage and other activities," said Berger. Shireen Badat, the Upstart project manager, praises Vale for her dedication to the project.
"The idea was her baby. She went beyond the call of duty to get Upstart up and running. As a former teacher, she enjoyed working with the children, and when she is with them, she becomes one of them," said Badat. She said she and the Upstart children would miss her loving and caring nature. "They will miss their gogo," quipped Badat.
Many from the broader community also speak highly of Vale. Makana councillor and professor of History at Rhodes, Julia Wells, speaks of her honesty and integrity. "Louise is one of the few people who is just plain inherently honest in her understanding of what is right and what is wrong. But hers is an honesty that is always well informed, or willing to be well informed. Her keen sensitivity to political and community issues has always kept her alert to whatever is going on around her. Her open-mindedness and clear thinking have made her a unique bridge between the worlds of politics and the media," said Wells.
Vale has been a beacon of inspiration to others, as Dave McGlew from the Legal Aid Board can attest: "She not only understands the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our communities, but has the ability, determination and persistence needed to make empowering them a reality. This she has done, in particular, by giving people information that they can readily understand and use effectively to make their lives better. Louise was the driving force behind the 'Know Your Rights' publications, gathering a large amount of relevant information from a wide network of sources, and making sure that the people who needed to get the information were reached."
Former Grocott's board member Phila Nkayi notes Vale's resilience and the determination behind her smile. “Behind her beautiful and tender appearance lurks a character that is brave, resolute, principled and consistent. These characteristics conspire to produce a very robust and vigorous debater, who is who is respectful of the people she engages with,” said Nkayi.
McGlew sums up well what it's liking working with Vale. " Working with Louise was always pleasant, often fun. She has a wonderfully cheerful personality, is always in control of whatever project she is running and always makes sure that things happen. She is obviously very well known and highly regarded in Grahamstown and walking thought the town or going for a cup of coffee in her company was always an adventure, meeting dozens of people every time."
