Sabina Elago
SO I got the shock of my life when my colleague called me asking if I claimed money for a story that was featured in our weekly Youth Corner from the interviewee.
I immediately lost my focus when I heard that, because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I couldn’t believe that there are people who actually take time to mess up people’s names.
According to my colleague this person who claimed to be my namesake went out of her way to use my name and claim money from a source that was interviewed by her.
And with me astonished I was eager to know who is this person dirtying my name. Foolishly the source actually ewalleted the money without verifying if this was true. I mean really now, if I wanted money I would claim the same day, why would l claim money a week after and to make matters worse it’s a N$300 – how desperate can I be?
Not willing to let the culprit get away with it, I asked the source to send me the number of my namesake because I needed an explanation. When I called her she was clueless and in denial and she has the audacity to switch off her phone in my ears.
So I let it go but it is still bothering me knowing there is someone out there wanting to tarnish my name.
This article serves as a cautionary to sources to verify first with the journalist who they have or had an interview with because if payment needs to be done (which does not happen) then it will be done there and then not a day or a week after the story is published.
To those who got the time in the world to use journalists’ names to get money, shame on you! This is a profession just like any other and we need to maintain our image just like any other career. We cannot be at ease if inconsiderate culprits with no shame are out to taint our names.
As to my fellow journalists be careful of your namesakes on a hunt, trying to make an income out of your name, and the nation at large be aware of the tricksters out there wishing to con you. Eewa!