Author: Karabo Matalajoe

By Karabo Matalajoe In many communities, a lack of access to sanitary towels forces young girls to miss school every month. This issue can no longer be ignored for Jameela Queen, a beauty business rooted in personal care. The founder, Vuyolwethu Maweni, was first inspired to take action during her undergraduate years. While volunteering at a local primary school, she learned a heartbreaking truth: “A few kids don’t attend school when they are menstruating because many of them don’t have the finances for pads,” she recalls. “The business values personal hygiene, so it only made sense to take up the…

by Karabo Matalajoe and Maleruo Leponesa Rhodes University hosted an impassioned book launch event spotlighting two significant memoirs that delve into South Africa’s liberation history: Fighting for my country by Sandi Sijake and On the stage of time by Sikose Mje. The event, a collaboration by the departments of political and international studies, African studies and history, spotlighted the university’s commitment to preserve and reflect on the nation’s complex past and its heroes. Sandi Sijake’s memoir provides a detailed account of his life as a freedom fighter. Born in 1945 in the Eastern Cape, Sijake became a member of the…

By Karabo Matalajoe In an age where music and sound keep us flowing in live and digital content spaces, intellectual property (IP) has become one of the most valuable and vulnerable assets one can possess. Many creators find themselves experiencing a lack of knowledge and ownership of their IP and protection of their work, exposing them to exploitation. Rhodes University hosted a compelling panel discussion exploring the intersections of music, media and intellectual property. The event brought together students and members interested in learning about the importance of IP and the framework behind creative ownership. The event was part of…

By Karabo Matalajoe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Makhanda faces an expected electricity cut-off over a disputed municipal debt. The development threatens the welfare of animals under their care and sheds light on deeper governance failures within the Makana Municipality. The municipality recently intensified debt collection efforts over its mounting arrears to Eskom, and the ongoing financial strain has prompted Eskom to consider daily 14-hour power cuts in Makhanda. This move would severely disrupt residents and essential services such as the SPCA. On 22 March 2025, the SPCA received a letter from the Makana Municipality demanding…

By Karabo Matalajoe Grahamstown Primary School has faced years of setbacks and disruption awaiting the completion of a much-needed upgrade project. Initially, the project was launched in 2019 with an allocated budget of R55 million to transform the school with new facilities. The school was then moved temporarily to Albany Road, where learners were housed in prefabricated classrooms. However, the school revitalising project came to a sudden halt when contractors abandoned the site due to non-payment by the Department of Public Works. This led to the remaining buildings being vandalised and stripped down for materials. There was hope for the…