Q: Any interesting bits about your stay in Swaziland?

W: Aside from academic, work this arena was new to me. In talking to the JusticeMakers interns I discovered that for many of them this project, and class with Dube, was their first experience with human rights work as well. I think it is a testament to Dube's vision and abilities that all of us were completely convinced of the worthiness of the work almost immediately.

Q: Now that the internship is over, what’s next?

W: For me personally what's next is a combination of frantic activity and waiting. Articles remain to be written and much work can be done but as a recent graduate I'm unsure exactly what the future holds.

Q: How did you find working with JusticeMakers team?

W: The experience of working with such a fabulous group of individuals was truly superlative. The openness and intelligence with which all the work was approached was beyond impressive. We always felt that we were able to turn to anyone on the team if we needed an explanation or (more often) a favor. Being surrounded by such a diverse group certainly enriched our experience and allowed us to hold a more nuanced and hopefully more accurate view of the work.

Q: How did you find working with other partner organisations whilst in Swaziland?

W: Again the openness of people was completely surprising. We owe all our success in meeting with AMICAALL to the constant efforts of Alfred but we were still stunned by how helpful and informative our interviews were. The story that constantly emerged was that of a well informed and motivated group of people admitting the challenges before them and eagerly facing them.

Q: Would you recommend this attachment to anyone else?

W: I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this opportunity to anyone considering it. There are few experiences I can think of where you are given so many tools and opportunities to engage with the work being done. With a little initiative there is really no limit to how close to the story a journalist can get. The best part of the job must certainly have been working with people you both admire and feel you can travel, unwind, and barbecue (braai) with. A rare combination indeed.

Q: What would you say were your most memorable moments in Swaziland?

W: For me the most memorable experience will be watching the team during workshops with community police. The way Dube and the team were able to come in to remote communities and gain their trust was spellbinding. From initial suspicion and reticence to easy laughter and openness the change in attitude was evident. In all of this we were able to witness the true possibilities of a grass roots movement in capable and charismatic hands.