Page 24 - DUT CONNECT - Spring 2024

Durban’s Shores to SABC Prime-Time.
“It’s Topical”
Blain Herman is
Blain Herman’s journalism career spans over twenty years and his career highlights are outstanding, yet the words that come to mind to describe this industry great are ‘humble’, ‘wise’ and ‘approachable’. Blain Herman is the face of the SABC current affairs show It’s Topical, which airs every Sunday. He is also the Executive Producer for the Full View – a daily news programme on the SABC News channel.
Durban was the vibrant backdrop for Blain Herman’s formative years. During high school, Blain discovered a passion for writing, particularly poetry. This creative outlet, coupled with a promising interest in radio, led his mother to encourage him to study journalism. Blain says his mother played a pivotal role in his career path, even supporting Blain at his entrance interview at the then ML Sultan campus. Blain says the DUT provided him with both theoretical and practical knowledge, encouraging him to think critically, understand his audience, and appreciate his vocation.
Blain’s years at DUT were marked by a sense of community and the forging of lifelong friendships. He particularly praises sea- soned lecturers Kubi Rama, Dr Sinthie Qono, Deseni Soobben and Graham Greer for their knowledgeable instruction. Balanc- ing his studies with an internship at the SABC was particularly challenging, but taught him resilience and perseverance. Blain says, “My advice to those going through a similar challenge is push through the pain. It’s worth it at the end. During this testing time you really discover yourself and your limits but also your potential. As one of my mentors told me, sometimes you must go through a test, to get to your best.”
A defining moment during his time at DUT occurred in his second year when a lecturer’s intervention taught him humility.
“There was, however, a particular event at DUT that would shape my future forever. It was also an important life lesson for me in humility,” explains Blain.
Blain relates that a lecturer had called him in to speak about his work and his potential. “As a 21-year-old, I thought I knew everything there was to know about journalism, so with that bad attitude, I went up for the meeting.”
The lecturer spoke to him but “I was hearing none of that and I remember arrogantly looking down at my watch, as if to say, are you done? Big mistake!
“It got to a point where she had enough with my flippant attitude, after which, she promptly kicked me out of her office. “I headed down to the cafeteria to join my friends but kept thinking, what on earth are you doing Blain? She was just trying to help you.
“I mustered up the courage and went back to the office to apologise for my disgraceful attitude. The next day, I received a call from her to say the SABC was looking for a young journalist. She said I should think about applying and see if it is a good fit for me ... 21 years later, I’m still with the public broadcaster.” This experience underscored the importance of humility and the value of learning from others. It also encapsulates his life motto ‘Don’t let your failures define you. Let it teach you’, said by Barack Obama.
Blain started his impressive career with the SABC as an intern. His first job was to read hourly news bulletins on Lotus FM. He then became a producer and presenter for the radio’s current affairs programme Newsbreak. Television news was his next calling where he covered a range of stories. Currently, Blain serves as the Executive Producer for The Full View, a prime- time news programme on the SABC NEWS channel. His role
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