He believes being naturally curious and loving variety is what got him into the media industry. “I guess I was born to be a journalist.”
As the news editor of OFM, he oversees the production process and ensures that the team adheres to its News Charter. “I also help to generate story ideas, monitor news reading and writing, edit articles and news reports, give advice on grammar, composition, and presentation, and generally inspire the team to do the best they can for our target audience. I also like to keep it light and make the team laugh, or at least smile,” says Morné.
He says despite being the only commercial radio station in Central South Africa, OFM has never rested on their laurels. “OFM sees our leading position as a motivation to keep on improving and raise our standards ever higher. We’ve kept on doing what we do well, all the while improving and fine-tuning our news offering.”
Morné lives with no regrets and says that everything in his life has come together beautifully.
He is motivated by respect. “For myself, for others, for the product we deliver, and our audience. I’m also motivated by faith and the belief that there’s no such thing as coincidence because whatever happens is part of a divine plan that we cannot possibly change by worrying, rebelling, or questioning.”
According to Morné, perseverance, an ethical approach and a psychological insight are the three most important characteristics one needs to have to build a successful business. “When starting a business, be prepared to rough it for at least a year. Do all you can to appoint the right people and make time to nourish your soul. Whatever you do, give your very best, and don’t let minor setbacks get you down.”
Morné says quitting smoking and drinking within a week of each other six years ago, maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle for ethical reasons since about 2015, and winning the National History Olympiad in matric are achievements in his personal life he is proud of.
When he is not at work he keeps himself busy by running his Facebook group, looking for new music on YouTube and reading endless articles and opinion pieces on his favourite news sites. “Having ‘me time’ is my way of recharging.”
Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN Photograph: GYPSEENIA LION
