Facebook phenomenon nets award for local writer

Kuropatwa is not a writer by trade, but has always harboured the desire to write. She had just signed up as a student at SA Writers' College, which launched and presided over the recent national new journalist award, when she found out about the competition.

“For me, the bonus was being encouraged to enter the new journalist competition. I was reticent about whether I had any real aptitude or not, so writing an entire piece, and then being named the winner has been a valued vote of confidence,” says Kuropatwa.

Notoriously tough market

According to Nichola Meyer, SA Writers' College administrator, the institution launched the competition for potential magazine journalists who are trying to break into the notoriously tough market of glossy magazines.

“Until recently the term ‘magazine journalism' was virtually unheard of, and yet it's a very specific genre of writing,” says Meyer. “At the same time, there is little support to help local up-and-coming writers get published, and for many, writing for magazines remains a pipe dream,” she says. “We offer our winners the chance to get their questions about the industry answered, and coach them so that they can sell their work.”

Kuropatwa chose to write about Facebook because she believes it to be a “completely fascinating social phenomenon”. “It has appeared almost overnight, and seems to be the trend of the year,” she says.

Inherently “sticky” nature

Due to its inherently “sticky” nature, Facebook has attracted a wave of cyber-savvy South Africans, and they continue to join in their droves. With 422 348 South African punters and counting – and an estimated 4000 more joining daily – Facebook's swift adoption by those with the means and access to Internet, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Facebook's tendrils even extend beyond the web. Eavesdrop on coffee-shop conversation, and you are bound to find the patrons' talk peppered with Facebook jargon – indicating its pervasiveness in millennial society.

With this in mind, local writer Caminey Kuropatwa, penned a trend piece on the phenomenon and snapped up the award in the process.

For more information on the competition and writing courses, go to www.sawriterscollege.co.za.