Hire Now
Message Buks
See how it works
Book Buks with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Buks is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Buks
Buks Viljoen is a journalist based in Nelspruit, South Africa. I have being involved in journalism since 1984 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. At the time I did general news coverage which included taking photographs. In 1989 I relocated to Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga. I worked as a senior journalist at the Lowvelder as well as The Citizen from 1989 untill 2005. During this period I specialised in crime, court, local government as wel as investigative journalism. In 2005 I was Caxtons Journalist of the Year. Duting my career at Caxton I won the category as Investigative Journalist of the Year numerous times. In 2004 I won the Nat Nakasa Award for Courageous Journalism. In 2005 I was appointed as the regional reporter for Naspers/Media24 covering all news in the Mpumalanga province. In March 2018 I went on early retirement. Currently I focus on Human interest, environmental issues, major crime and court cases involving poaching in Krugerpark as well as investigative reporting.
Portfolio
Dog shot in White River during walk with family
A Great Dane puppy named Henry was shot by a self-defense instructor while on a walk with his family in White River. The incident, witnessed by the owner's two sons, led to Henry's death despite efforts to save him. The woman responsible was arrested but released without bail, and the case remains under investigation. The White River SPCA and the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority are involved in seeking justice for the family.
Lowveld couple fixers for BBC series
Jacques and Antoinette Goosen, owners of the Southern African Natural History Unit, assisted the BBC Natural History crew in producing the series 'Mammals,' narrated by Sir David Attenborough. The couple, experienced in wildlife documentaries, were heavily involved in the first episode, which focuses on mole rats. Their role as fixers involves managing every logistical detail to ensure smooth film production in South Africa. The series will soon be available on BBC Earth, Channel 184, on DStv.
Investigation into December blue-light robbery near Matsulu ongoing
A man recounted being shot at by suspects in a vehicle with blue lights near Matsulu. Despite reporting the incident and providing dashcam footage, the police have made little progress in the investigation. The victim managed to escape unharmed, and the case is still ongoing with the police recently seeking his help for an identikit.
Christmas Miracle for Young Shooting Victim from White River
The Slabbert family from White River experienced a traumatic Christmas when their youngest son, Johann, was shot in the head during a robbery. Miraculously, Johann survived and is recovering well, having been moved from intensive care to a regular ward. The family expresses immense gratitude for the support and donations received from the community and abroad. Despite the ongoing trauma, they are disturbed by circulating rumors and urge the police to continue their investigation. No arrests have been made yet.
NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS: Wildlife poachers in Pilgrim’s Rest granted bail
Seven suspects were arrested in Pilgrim’s Rest for wildlife poaching, found with 27 carcasses of wild animals, including endangered mountain reedbucks. Six suspects were granted bail, pending address verification. The case involves a senior Eskom official, Godfrey Dibakoane, whose involvement is under serious scrutiny by Eskom. The case is set to continue on December 18 at the Graskop Magistrate’s Court.
Alleged rhino poacher, Big Joe, gets granted bail
Joseph Nyalungu, also known as Big Joe, an alleged rhino poaching kingpin and former South African policeman, was granted bail by Magistrate Sam Phakua at the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court. Despite being accused of various crimes over the past 14 years, including kidnapping and murder, Nyalungu has repeatedly been granted bail. Phakua criticized law enforcement agencies for their handling of Nyalungu's cases and found no exceptional circumstances to deny bail. Nyalungu was released on R10,000 bail, with the case postponed to March 22, 2024.
No light shed on electricity crisis in Mbombela
Residents of Mbombela are frustrated with the lack of feedback from the mayor and senior management regarding the ongoing electricity crisis. Mayor Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko criticized councillors for not reporting back to the community and mentioned that a master plan to resolve the grid issues was handed over to stakeholders. A scheduled meeting to address the crisis was canceled by Dan Mkhatshwa, the MMC for technical services, further aggravating the situation. Questions to Mkhatshwa and the municipality's spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, remained unanswered.
Gangster behind bars thanks to late warrant officer
A gang leader, Shane Ngutshane, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for crimes including house robbery and possession of an unlicensed weapon, thanks to the investigative work of the late Warrant Officer Gerrie le Grange and his colleague Lieutenant Colonel Erhard Ströh. The Ellesse Gang, known for their violent robberies, was dismantled through their efforts. Le Grange, who passed away in 2021, is remembered as a master detective. The Hawks and Bossies Community Justice were instrumental in bringing the gang to justice.
Illegal gold rush a threat to residents and tourism in Pilgrim's Rest
Illegal gold mining activities by zama-zamas near Pilgrim's Rest pose significant threats to local tourism, residents, and the environment. Despite efforts by local chambers of commerce and legal mining entities, the illegal miners continue to operate with sophisticated equipment, causing environmental damage and safety concerns. The local police have made some arrests, but the problem persists. Legal mining operations are also facing delays due to environmental appeals, further complicating the situation.
Retraction and apology to Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela
Lowvelder issued a retraction and apology for incorrectly reporting the suspension of Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, Mpumalanga’s top cop. The article clarifies that Manamela remains in her position, as confirmed by SAPS spokespeople. The retraction addresses previous allegations of abuse of power, nepotism, and corruption against Manamela, which were based on a forensic report. The report had been leaked to various media outlets, including Lowvelder. The article also mentions Manamela's successful legal challenge to her earlier suspension.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up
×
Buks'
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Nov 2018
✓
Phone number
Verified Nov 2018
✓
Joined
Nov 2018