about
Activate is an independent student news organisation based in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. We strive to keep our community informed by producing fresh, cutting-edge online content.
Activate was established in 1947. It circulated as a weekly newspaper with great popularity on Rhodes University (UCKAR) campus. Decades later, Activate operates on various online platforms. We encourage young journalists to get out there and pursue their passion.
MEET THE TEAM
NAOMI GREWAN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Hi!. I'm Naomi and as your editor, my hope is to create a platform that celebrates a diverse range of voices and content. Activate has always been a supportive and progressive space, I hope to keep it that way.
I am a JMS4 student and dedicate my free time (when there is any) to consuming a ridiculous amount of media and trying to keep up to date with pop-culture and world news.
PATRICK KIDD
DEPUTY EDITOR
SOCIAL AWARENESS EDITOR

A fourth-year Journalism and Media Studies student hailing from Pietermaritzburg, I am the Activate deputy editor and Social Awareness editor for 2022. I have a burning passion for writing and aspire to be a working journalist for most of my life. I have been in love with sports since I can remember and but my interests do not lie solely in the sphere of sport either, as I am also an avid cinephile and music connoisseur.
DANIEL ROODT
SPORTS EDITOR

Hi, I’m Daniel. I'm a football fanatic and an avid writer and consumer (and producer) of podcasts from the tiny town of Bathurst, near Makhanda.
I’m a massive sports fan, but I have a particular preference for football and Formula 1. I’m a Real Madrid and Ferrari fan, although I do have a soft spot for Lewis Hamilton, much to my friends’ dismay.
However, my interests are not solely centred around spheres and racing tracks. I enjoy reading when I have the time and spending time outdoors hiking or playing sport.
LANGA MOHLALA
ART & CULTURE EDITOR

I am an avid reader, writer, poet, food lover, picky eater, overthinker, fangirler and binge watcher. I'm passionate about mental health awareness, the LGBT+ community, Marvel and KPop.
CASEY LUDICK
FASHION EDITOR

I am a fourth-year journalism student and I'm the Fashion editor for 2022. I see fashion as a celebration because it's an art not just to designers but to regular people. Fashion is a celebration of your identity.
CARMEN VISSER
WELLNESS EDITOR

I'm Carmen - a confident and talkative Pisces who’s obsessed with music, food and
anything sky-related.
While studying a Bachelor of Journalism at Rhodes, I spend my limited free time swimming, dreaming and adventuring with other little humans.
TAURI KERR
WELLNESS SUB-EDITOR

Learning to love life and subjecting you all to my little journey - I'm just a journalism student who is on a mission to change the world!
JADE RHODE
FASHION SUB-EDITOR

Hello everyone! My name is Jade Rhode (pronounced "Rho-duuuh"). I'm a 20-something-year-old curly-haired Capetonian who has a passion for storytelling and all things social media. Give me The Real Housewives franchises, reality shows, anything to do with drag or celeb news and I'll be good to go! I'm also a proud dog mom to a pitbull named Sabre. After receiving my degree, I hope to work in the fashion and entertainment industry.

CHRIS MATTHEWS
SPORT SUB-EDITOR
SOCIAL AWARENESS SUB-EDITOR

Hi! My name is Chris. I am originally from Johannesburg, but spent part of my childhood growing up in East Africa. I am doing my third-year in 2022. While I am a law student by nature, I am truly a journalist at heart. In 2022 I will be working as a sub-editor in the Sport and Social Awareness sections. 2022 looks to be a year like no other as our university, town, and indeed our country aims to crawl back from the devastation that has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check in as often as you can, you won't be disappointed!
YUVTHI MISSER
ART & CULTURE SUB-EDITOR

Hi! Welcome to Activate! My name's Yuvthi and I'm just a 20-year-old journalism student trying to get a holistic experience in the world of media. I'm passionate about creative writing, social justice, and film. I also tend to mindlessly consume media from time to time.