From academia to tech innovation, Matau Andronica Ramapuputla is redefining how education systems and digital tools intersect to create safer, smarter learning environments across Africa.
Can you introduce yourself and take us through your journey into entrepreneurship and technology?
Matau Andronica Ramapuputla is a social entrepreneur, educator, innovator, and CEO and Founder of Moepi Publishing, a black female-owned company specialising in ICT and technology solutions.
My journey began in academia, where I lectured in modules including Business Information Systems and Project Management, and worked closely with students navigating the transition into the digital economy. Through this experience, I identified a significant gap between education and industry readiness, particularly in digital skills. This inspired my move into entrepreneurship, where I could actively bridge that gap.
Through Moepi Publishing, I focus on equipping young people with practical skills, workplace experience, and access to technology. My work has since evolved into developing impactful digital solutions like Tekete Safe Space, driven by a commitment to innovation, empowerment, and social change.
As a female founder in Africa’s tech ecosystem, what has your experience been like navigating the space?
Navigating Africa’s tech ecosystem as a female founder has been both challenging and rewarding. There are still barriers around access to funding, opportunities, and representation, particularly for Black women in technology.
However, these challenges have strengthened my resilience and sharpened my focus on creating inclusive opportunities for others. My background in education and skills development has shaped my leadership approach, placing empowerment and capacity building at the centre of everything I do.
I am encouraged by the growing number of women entering the tech space and contributing meaningfully to innovation. Being part of this ecosystem is not just about building solutions, but about driving transformation and ensuring that more young people, especially women, are equipped to participate in the digital economy.
Tell us about the Tekete Safe Space App, what it is, and what inspired you to embark on building it?
Tekete Safe Space is a digital platform designed to protect learners by providing a safe and anonymous space to report bullying, harassment, abuse, and gender-based violence.
The inspiration came from my work with young people and my exposure to the challenges they often face in silence. Many learners do not report incidents due to fear, stigma, or a lack of trusted reporting systems. I wanted to create a solution that prioritises their safety while ensuring their voices are heard.
Tekete Safe Space bridges the gap between learners and support structures by enabling secure reporting and timely intervention. It is more than just an app; it is a tool that promotes accountability, encourages openness, and contributes to safer learning environments.
How does the Tekete Safe Space App function, what sets it apart, and how do you ensure confidentiality, trust, and data protection?
Tekete Safe Space allows learners to report incidents anonymously through a secure and user-friendly platform. Users can submit reports, attach supporting evidence, and have the information routed directly to relevant authorities for intervention.
What sets the platform apart is its strong emphasis on confidentiality and user protection, ensuring that individuals can speak out without fear of exposure. In addition, the app leverages data science through an intelligent dashboard that includes heatmaps, enabling authorities to identify patterns and high-risk areas of concern.
This functionality provides valuable insights and can serve as credible evidence to support timely and targeted interventions. We implement strict data protection protocols, controlled access systems, and secure data management processes to safeguard all information.
Trust is built through transparency and accountability, ensuring that reports are handled responsibly and lead to appropriate action.
Tekete addresses sensitive issues such as bullying and gender-based violence. How are you driving adoption and building trust within schools and communities?
Driving adoption for Tekete Safe Space requires intentional engagement and education. We work closely with schools through awareness campaigns, workshops, and stakeholder engagements that address issues such as bullying and gender-based violence.
These initiatives are designed not only to introduce the platform but also to foster a culture of openness and support. In addition, we host monthly webinars with school principals, administrators, SGB members, and educators, where we demonstrate how Tekete Safe Space can be effectively implemented within schools.
We also conduct roadshows that allow us to engage directly with learners, creating awareness at a grassroots level. Our partnerships with NGOs further strengthen this approach, as they serve as on-the-ground advocates supporting implementation.
Building trust is central to our approach, so we emphasise confidentiality, transparency, and accountability in how reports are managed, ensuring users feel safe and supported.
Tekete recently received Proudly South African approval. What does this recognition mean for your brand and its broader mission?
Receiving Proudly South African approval is a significant milestone for Tekete Safe Space and our broader mission. It affirms our commitment to developing locally relevant solutions that address critical societal challenges while contributing to economic growth.
As a homegrown platform, this recognition strengthens our credibility and highlights the importance of South African innovation in solving real-world problems. It also opens opportunities for strategic partnerships and wider adoption across institutions.
For us, it is both an honour and a responsibility to continue building solutions that protect and empower young people while maintaining the highest standards of impact and integrity.
What impact has Tekete Safe Space recorded so far, and how are you measuring success?
In addition to receiving Proudly South African approval, we successfully launched Tekete Safe Space in 2025, an important milestone that brought together school principals, teachers, and NGOs working with children.
The launch provided an opportunity to introduce the platform meaningfully, while also onboarding schools onto the system and building early momentum. Our current focus is on education, institutional onboarding, and creating safe environments where users feel confident engaging with the platform.
Success at this stage is measured through stakeholder engagement, partnerships with schools, and the level of awareness generated. For us, impact is not only about immediate usage but about establishing a strong, trusted foundation that will support meaningful engagement over time.
Are there plans to expand the platform beyond South Africa into other African markets?
Yes, expanding Tekete Safe Space across Africa forms part of our long-term vision. The challenges we address, bullying, abuse, and gender-based violence are prevalent across the continent, highlighting the need for safe and accessible reporting solutions.
Our approach to expansion is strategic and collaborative. We aim to partner with local organisations to ensure cultural relevance, regulatory alignment, and effective implementation. Each market has unique dynamics, and we believe in adapting our model while maintaining our core values of safety, confidentiality, and empowerment.
Ultimately, our goal is to build a scalable, pan-African platform that contributes to safer learning environments across the continent.
How does your work through Moepi Publishing complement your efforts in technology and youth empowerment?
Moepi Publishing operates within the ICT and skills development space, focusing on equipping young people with practical digital skills and workplace experience.
Through internships and work-integrated learning programmes, we create pathways for youth to enter and thrive in the digital economy. This work directly complements my efforts in technology, as it ensures that young people are not only exposed to innovation but are also prepared to participate in it.
Tekete Safe Space reflects this broader mission by addressing real challenges faced by young people, while Moepi Publishing builds their capacity for the future. Together, these initiatives contribute to a holistic approach to empowerment, combining access, skills development, and impactful solutions.
Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Tekete Safe Space, and what advice would you give to young African innovators building solutions for real impact across the continent?
My long-term vision for Tekete Safe Space is for it to be in every school and established as a leading platform for safety, reporting, and youth empowerment across Africa. I envision a future where every learner has access to a secure environment to speak out and receive support without fear.
Beyond the platform, I see opportunities to contribute to broader systemic change in how institutions respond to issues such as bullying and gender-based violence.
To young African innovators, I would say: focus on solving real problems within your communities. Stay grounded in purpose, remain resilient, and be willing to learn continuously. Meaningful innovation is driven by impact, and the most powerful solutions come from understanding the people you serve.
