Page 29 - DUT CONNECT - Spring 2024

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
involves attending editorial meetings, commissioning stories, and ensuring the programme’s quality. In 2022, Blain started presenting It’s Topical, a programme that engages South Africans on current issues.
“It’s an honour and privilege to anchor It’s Topical every Sunday. It’s Topical is an interactive programme focusing on various relevant topics that have made headlines during the week.This programme is the perfect platform for South Africans from all walks of life. It’s tailor-made to allow citizens to engage about issues and events that directly impact on them.”
Accounting for the high energy associated with the fast-paced, interactive nature of the programme, Blain says,“Someone once told me,‘When the butterflies stop, then get out of the business’. For me, as long as there’s passion and you want and need to do your best, the butterflies will always be circling.”
Blain’s career has been punctuated by significant milestones, including co-anchoring the special broadcast of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s funeral, covering the civil war in Libya, and reporting on SouthAfrica’s partnership with BRICS countries. These experiences highlighted the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences and making a difference.
Blain believes that networking and professional connections have been crucial in his career advancement. Trust, built through honesty and hard work, has opened doors and created opportunities. He stresses that in our multicultural society, forming genuine connections requires understanding and respecting diverse cultural heritages. Storytelling plays a vital role in fostering these connections by evoking emotions and promoting mutual respect. Blain says that DUT’s sense of community has profoundly influenced his personal and professional growth. His mentor,Ashok Ramsarup, a fellow DUT alumnus, has guided him in understanding journalism’s role in connecting people and making sense of the world.
Today,Blain balances his busy career with family life,with Melaney, his wife of 17 years, and their 13-year-old son, Christian: “All my spare time is devoted to my wife and son. I find great joy and peace just being with my family.” To the youth, Blain emphasises the importance of education and perseverance. He advises them to believe in their goals, stay the course, and always strive for excellence.
“It’s an honour and privilege to anchor It’s Topical every Sunday. It’s Topical is an interactive programme focusing on various relevant topics that have made headlines during the week. This programme is the perfect platform for South Africans from all walks of life.”
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