GEORGE NEWS - After almost two decades of chasing stories, meeting deadlines and shaping the news agenda, veteran journalist Ilse Schoonraad is preparing to close an important chapter in her career.
Schoonraad, currently Group Editors' head of digital, is retiring at the end of September after a career spanning massive changes in the newspaper industry.
For those who have worked with her over the years, Schoonraad is perhaps best described as a journalist to her core.
She has an instinct for news, a keen understanding of what readers want and a particular talent for finding the right angle and often the perfect headline.
Her career at George Herald began 17 years and nine months ago in January 2009, when she started as a journalist. She took over as editor in 2012.
During her time in the editor's chair, she worked alongside Lizette da Silva, who was then news editor. Da Silva would later take over as editor when Schoonraad moved into a broader Group Editors role.
That move marked the beginning of a new phase in her career, one that eventually saw her take responsibility for Group Editors' digital operations.
As head of digital, Schoonraad played an important role in developing the group's online offering and helping its publications adapt to an increasingly digital readership.
Her understanding of audiences and her ability to identify what would interest readers were valuable assets as the group expanded its digital presence.
Da Silva describes Schoonraad as curious, questioning, often stubborn, always interested and never afraid to challenge an idea.
"Ilse and I have certainly bumped heads over the years, but that was also what made working together so good. We challenged each other and complemented each other. I learnt a lot from her about trusting your instincts and having the courage to pursue a story when you know there is something there. Ilse has always had high standards and a real passion for good journalism. She leaves behind not only great stories and headlines, but journalists who are better because they worked with Ilse - 'n joernalis in murg en been," Da Silva says.
Group Editors' group CEO Servaas de Kock says Schoonraad's willingness to speak honestly was one of her best qualities.
"What made Ilse valuable to me as a colleague and CEO was not only her knowledge; it was her willingness to be direct," he says.
"We did not always agree, and she never hesitated to tell me when she thought I was wrong. That is a quality few people in an organisation genuinely have, and it helped the company more than diplomacy ever could. I could call her when I needed an honest answer, and I knew I would get it - not necessarily what I wanted to hear, but what was true."
De Kock says her contribution went well beyond her honesty.
"Over the past few years, Ilse played a pivotal role in shaping our editorial strategy across the group, and she executed a digital strategy that has paid off for Group Editors. She leaves behind a stronger team because of her contribution, and a digital department that reflects the work she put into building it.
"Ilse, thank you for 17 years of work, honesty and standards. Enjoy this time with Cor, you have earned it."
Schoonraad says she will miss Group Editors tremendously.
"Before joining George Herald, I was never with one company for longer than a year or two - and often just a few months! That says more than any words about how much I love our local media house. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, even though I wasn't always the most popular or easiest colleague! I have complete faith that you will go from strength to strength in the exciting times ahead," she says.
Schoonraad and her partner, Cor Swanepoel, plan to travel quite a bit, so maybe you will spot one of their travel vlogs in the not-too-distant future!
Cor Swanepoel and Ilse Schoonraad.
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