Yesterday was my last day as the BBC Africa Bureau Cameraman and Editor. As of the new year I will be back working as part of the BBC Camera pool in London. I first came to Johannesburg for a three month attachment in September 2007 and, except for a small break in the summer of 2008, I have been in the post ever since.

Stick Fighting in Cape Town

It’s been an amazing and eye opening few years. When I first came to Africa I knew nothing of the continent except the cliche’s that we all imbibe growing up in Europe. I now know what a fascinating and diverse place Africa truly is, I’ve been lucky enough to film Tuareg tribesmen carrying salt from deep in the Sahara desert, spend time in a village with the ancient Turkana people of northern kenya, ride on pick ups with Libyan rebels and in armoured cars with the UN in Abidjan. I’ve got drunk in Ugandan nightclubs, ate home made honey in South Sudan and of course, met and married the love of my life.

I think the aspect of South African life that I will miss most is the township, the Kasi, the hood, the real South Africa. My Wife is from Soweto and I have been lucky enough to really experience and get under the skin of life in the township. I’ve always been welcomed and never made to feel like an outsider, for that I thank all of the people I have met over the last few years.

I’ll also miss amazing work colleagues, talented people from whom I have learnt so much. Reporters like Andrew, Orla, Will, Karen, Peter and many others. Producers like Tara, Kate, Nawaz and Gringo. I’ve leant something from all of you and will be sure to keep in touch. I’d particularly like to thank Andrew Harding who has been an inspiration, not only is he a real pro but he’s also a friend and an inspiring Dad to his kids – I’ve learnt a lot from him and was touched by the blog post he wrote about me.

Filming openly on the streets of Harare

I’m sure I will be back to Africa, I now have strong family ties to South Africa and professionally have a developed a huge regard and soft spot for the rest of the continent. For now it’s au revoir rather than goodbye.