In 1985 I was accepted at the journalism department at Technikon Natal. The problem, however, was that even though the department had approved my application based on my matric results, I had, in terms of the law, to prove to the minister of education that there was no black institution that offered the course. At that time, the two nonwhite technikons in the province — ML Sultan and Mangosuthu — did not offer journalism. Based on my appeal which was informed by this fact, the minister approved my application. Guess who the minister was? FW de Klerk. Anyway, I started my studies. But, of course, being black I was not allowed to stay on campus. I had to take my classes during the day, and afterwards take the train back to Hammarsdale — an hour-and-a-half commute each way. Needless to say, I was one of a few blacks in class but friendships across the colour line were made. That is why I can proudly count such people as Fred Kockott, Gail Steytler, Paddy Harper, Ricky Naidoo, Lesley Du...

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