Celebrating 50 years of the Constantiaberg Bulletin: Karen Watkins shares her unforgettable stories

As the Constantiaberg Bulletin celebrates its 50th anniversary, its former longtime journalist Karen Watkins shared her reflections on the stories and moments that defined her time at the paper.

“What a privilege to be asked to contribute to the Bulletin’s golden anniversary issue,” Ms Watkins said.

She recalled starting on July 5, 2007, “sitting behind an Apple Mac with carte blanche to fill its pages reporting on the highs and lows of community life, little knowing that one day ChatGPT could help with an intro and cut a long-winded story to a readable length.”

Karen noted how the Bulletin evolved alongside the media.

“Celluloid photography began to go digital in print media during the early 2000s, and the Bulletin first appeared online in July 2016.”

During her tenure, the newspaper chronicled major events affecting the valley, including the wildfires of 2000, 2007, and 2015, as well as the drought restrictions of 2018, keeping communities informed when they needed it most.

She highlighted controversial issues covered by the paper, such as baboon management, MyCiTi bus plans, the removal of pine trees for Tokai Park, Constantia Village expansion, disputes over proposed cell phone masts, and land rezoning with developers eyeing parts of the city’s breadbasket, the Philippi Horticultural Area.

Yet, she said, it was the people behind the headlines who were the most memorable.

“Unsung heroes and environmental champions who volunteer their time, money, and energy to feed the hungry, clean rivers, and foster animals. Local entrepreneurs, artists, and authors have been featured, from beekeepers to winemakers who revive historic vineyards and teenagers starting green businesses.”

Ms Watkins also reflected on stories that left a lasting impression: Johannes Schreuder, a hoarder in Diep River, and a doctor whose life was severely impacted by cell phone radiation.

Property issues often dominated coverage, with residents opposing controversial developments and, in some cases, influencing outcomes.

One particularly satisfying story involved working with local ward councillors and City officials to rid the heart of Wynberg of slums, culminating in 2013 with the removal of residents living in the old Uli Heydt Butchery.

Not all stories were serious.

She recalled the Bulletin appeal that helped reunite a missing tortoise with its owner, showing the community impact of even smaller, local stories.

Covering tragedies also required sensitivity.

Ms Watkins mentioned the disappearance and brutal murder of 16-year-old Franziska Blöchliger in March 2016, as well as the killing of Gill Packham in Diep River in 2018, who “would still be alive if not for husband Rob Packham setting her car and body alight.”

Heritage Month coverage reflected changes in the valley’s social fabric, from xenophobic attacks in 2008 to a heritage walk from Groot Constantia to Strawberry Lane in 2016.

Ms Watkins believes what sets the Bulletin apart from mainstream media is its focus on hyperlocal issues that may never make bigger headlines but matter deeply to residents.

“Bigger media outlets may overlook a blocked drain, a grassroots protest, or a local hero. The Bulletin has always ensured these stories are told,” she said.

She also shared personal highlights.

In 2017 and 2018, she was a finalist in the Human Interest and Journalist of the Year categories at the Forum of Community Journalist awards in Johannesburg.

She received a WESSA award in 2001 for covering environmental issues and admitted she was “sorely tempted to adopt an adorable toddler born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.”

Looking ahead, she said the paper’s role remains vital.

“As the newspaper enters the next 50 years, it is clear that the paper's role is as vital as ever.

The Bulletin’s challenge, and privilege, will be to remain that trusted neighbour, keeping its finger on the pulse of the Constantia Valley and continue telling the stories that shape this community.”