There’s an easy nature about Willem Steenkamp, Flow Communications’ new subeditor. He’s laid-back and easy to talk to, and as we sit chatting outside in the spring sunshine I get the feeling that he is a genuinely nice guy.
Born in Johannesburg, Willem grew up in Cape Town, which is where his journalism career began. “I’m the son of a journalist, so in 1988 – my first year at varsity – I started working part-time at the Cape Times,” he explains.
“After graduating in 1990, I started full-time employment at the Cape Times as a reporter, and in 1999 I moved back to Johannesburg to be news editor at The Star, and later at The Saturday Star.”
Willem left the newspaper industry in early 2007 to go into public relations, where he did specialist writing, media training, and crisis and reputation management.
When asked why he decided to join Flow, he says: “I wanted to get back to my roots. I’m a writer at heart and I’m really glad I get to do that here at Flow.
“There’s such a calmness about this place and everyone has been so welcoming. It’s a lekker bunch of people with a great team ethos – they just muck in and help. I feel so encouraged and appreciated.”
Says fellow Flowstar Melanie Feris, who has worked with Willem in the past, “Willem and I worked together at The Star some years ago. At one stage we manned the newsdesk together for the late shift – stressful times! But we had great fun too.
“Willem is great, especially with mentoring youngsters in the art of writing, and is passionate about good journalism. He has lots of great stories to tell and is great fun (his parties are legendary). I am very excited to be working with him again.”
Willem has a daughter, Lily, and is married to Tania, and when he talks about his family he can’t help but gush about how blessed he is. “I never thought parenting would be such a joy,” he says, referring to his gorgeous four-year-old daughter with her head of brown curls.
And he enjoys cooking for his family. “I love cooking, especially Indian food. Cooking just relaxes me and it’s something I can share with people.” When he’s not being creative in the kitchen, he watches movies, makes good use of his Xbox, reads and, most importantly, spends time with his family.
As the fifth Willem in the family, he says he has a bit of “badass” in him, although people would never think it. He doesn’t like to be part of the herd and his tattoos are testament to this (but his soft side still shines through).
At heart Willem is a romantic – his tattoos are dedicated to his wife and daughter. “I wear my heart on my sleeve,” he says.