GEORGE NEWS - Journalist Pauline Lourens has retired after 26 years at Group Editors. The energetic Lourens will not be resting on her laurels, but by the time this article is published, she will have arrived in Europe where she will spend some time holidaying in the Netherlands and looking at career opportunities in the UK where her sister lives.
"It has been fun and a privilege to have been part of a dedicated and professional team at the George Herald. I'm leaving with many anecdotes and fond memories. To my friends and supporters, I just simply say, 'Totsiens, see you soon'," Lourens said before her departure.
With a love of life and people, wide-ranging interests and general knowledge, a warm personality and sense of adventure, Lourens perfectly fitted the job of journalist. As a youngster she obtained a certificate in business training and did English studies at Unisa before embarking on her journalistic career in 1984 when she joined Caxton. She spent 10 years with the Bedfordview and Edenvale News.
She joined the George Herald team in 1992 when she moved to George with her husband, Jaap, and their son, Jacques.
Lourens's good networking skills and insatiable curiosity led her to write stories on a wide range of topics, from arts and entertainment, business and travel, crime and legal matters, social and environmental issues. She is a true greenie at heart and through the years used the pen with resolve to shine the light on crucial environmental matters. When she got her teeth into a story, she would not let go until she got to the bottom of it.
Her job as journalist led to her involvement in community projects and improving the quality of life for people. At one time she was public relations officer for the Professional Business Women's Club, where she was involved in keeping several worthy projects afloat.
Peter Moolman (right), owner of Group Editors, says a word at the farewell of Pauline Lourens. With them is her husband Jaap. Photo: Wessel van Heerden
She was also part of a project which resulted in a crèche owner being able to move from a leaking shack to a solid structure that today accommodates 40 children.
Pauline, you will be missed. Loop mooi!
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