Mariana Balt began her adult life in jail, but although sounding quite rebellious, in truth, she carried the keys, training inmates in a women’s prison. Journalism only came after she settled near the Kruger National Park, and a love of photography made her join Lowveld Media to obtain film on somebody else’s account. Soon she found herself editing two community newspapers. A holiday in Namibia led to this born “Suidwester” taking a position at Republikein and later launching yet another publication, the Windhoek Express. She attempted retirement twice, both times unsuccessfully; hence, back in the Lowveld, she continues doing what she likes most – telling stories.