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About
Kajal Premnath is a journalist, writer and illustrator based in South Africa.
She is currently the Junior Life Editor for The Tempest, a tutor to second-year Journalism and Media Studies Students at Rhodes University, and is in her last year working towards a Bachelor of Journalism at Rhodes University.
She enjoys profile writing, analyzing media and producing portrait illustrations.
Journalistic Pieces
Articles that provide factual journalistic reporting of an event, organisation, prominent member of the community, etc.
This piece reports on the 17th edition of the Lilyfonetein Adventure Race in East London, Eastern Cape.
This piece details the Cawse Library at St Andrew’s College and its honour of hosting the South African Schools Librarians’ Conference from 28 June to 2 July 2019.
This piece reports on how simple, cost-effective classroom libraries are popping up in primary schools across Makhanda (Grahamstown), courtesy of an innovative NPO, the Lebone Centre.
Profile Writing
Let's meet new people through the written word!
Vuyokazi Jamieson is Cawse Library's Head Librarian at St Andrew's College.
Rhodes University & Trojan Academic Initiative
Six commissioned pieces I wrote for the Trojan Academic Initiative profiling six of their graduates at Rhodes University.
Writings for The Tempest
The Tempest is a global next-generation women’s media company. I was an editorial fellow for their site on an 8-week programme. Currently, I am a Junior Editor for the Life section.
Life
While productivity is generally commendable no matter the circumstances, there seems to be a more profound collective pressure to 'do something' with our time in lockdown.
Life
Through colonization and white supremacy, colorism has become an ingrained mindset for many people of color and is now a part of the social lenses we view our world through.
Social Justice
Due to the lack of infrastructure and support, online learning is impossible for many students in developing nations.
Life
The mispronunciation of ethnic names is so last season.
Life
The answer to "How long have you been biting your nails?" is "forever".
Now & Beyond
From baseless origin theories to online scammers taking advantage of the current panic for a cure, it is easy to get lost in the chaos of information out there about COVID-19.
Life
Those trying to escape poverty simply cannot afford to pursue careers that do not provide a stable income.
Social Justice
South Africa's highly militarized response to COVID-19 has resurrected the infamous feeling of apartness throughout the country.
Now & Beyond, Health
Female pain is often cast aside as being imagined or exaggerated.
Now & Beyond
Will we be all the safer for it?
Netflix’s ‘Blood and Water’ is the world’s latest obsession — with one big difference
Pop Culture
Netflix is pandering directly to me, and I am not mad at it.
Makeup
These names will stay on your lips...literally.
Pop Culture, News
Can you just... not?
Social Justice
You guys know that you don't have to use social justice causes as an excuse to post a cute selfie, right?
Fiction
Writings IÂ conjured up...
Illustrations
Thus far, my illustrations have been produced for the student site Hectic.
Editing
Works I have edited
Written by Amal Als. Edited by Kajal Premanth.
The infamous phrase, "You've had your fun. Now it's over", rings true in such instances.
Written by Amal Als. Edited by Kajal Premnath.
Just because I now work from home does not mean I am obliged to answer emails at midnight.
Written by Amal Als. Edited by Kajal Premnath.
Fearing the unknown, I find solace while stuck in a rewatching loop.
Written by Tori B. Powell. Edited by Kajal Premnath.
To each other we may seem different but, to anyone else outside of the diaspora, we're all the same.
Written by Amal Als. Edited by Kajal Premnath.
Locals do not owe you a life-changing experience when you visit their country. They are simply living their normal lives in their homes.
Written by Tori B. Powell. Edited by Kajal Premnath.
Europe was not the perfect daydream that I'd always imagined it would be.
Written by Izza Malik. Edited by Kajal Premnath.
I feel scared, anxious, and vulnerable because of who I am—a woman.
Testimonials
Kajal handles the responsibilities that come with leadership with quiet confidence and ease. Despite her young age, Kajal is an exceptional writer and has developed a wide range of multimedia storytelling skills far beyond her years.
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Kajal interacts warmly with sources and clients, and is a diligent and talented writer.
Click here for the full testimonial.