The impact on children of the lack of electricity is brought to light through the article “Singing keeps the dark out” (Mail & Guardian, 29/10/2009, pp.1, 10 &11) by Karabo Keepile ¹ .

The article depicts the everyday challenges that most disadvantaged families in South Africa experience, by focusing on one family living in an informal settlement.

The article is given prominence by its placement on the front page of the newspaper, in addition to the double page coverage.

Giving prominence to this article is commendable as lack of electricity is an on-going issue, and may not normally be considered newsworthy.

By giving it prominence, the public is reminded of the gravity of the issue and of how such problems affect children.

The journalist gives the children in the family a voice by interviewing them in depth and getting their opinions about their situation. In doing this, the reporter is able to show how children are affected by and deal with their living conditions.

For example, the children have to study using a candle at night which could potentially be harmful to their education. Their aspirations of being a “normal” family doing “normal” activities are highlighted, and they shown as resourceful, as they sing religious songs to entertain themselves.

Broader issues like poor service delivery, health, poverty, unemployment, and social grants are also raised in the article.

For example, the reporter highlights how the unemployed mother is left with no option but to use the social grants of one of the children to support the entire family.

The lack of infrastructure is highlighted by the photographs taken by Lisa Skinner. The children are clearly shown in a tiny shack which has no space and looks crowded.

This thought provoking article not only brings to light the challenges children in informal settlements face but also how their basic rights are affected, and the gravity of the situation.

Karabo Keepile and Lisa Skinner are to be commended for a job well done

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FOOTNOTES

1 Karabo Keepile is a “child friendly journalist” who completed the Wits accredited course on Reporting on Children in 2009 convened by MMA, in partnership with Wits School of Journalism. If you are interested in this course, please contact MMA.

Response from reporter, Karabo Keepile:

This was quiet a rewarding story because often as journalists we don’t know how our stories end up affecting the people we write about. But with this particular story we received feedback from readers who were really touched by the article. According to Mavis Sebola, the family received donations from concerned readers.