A Johannesburg schoolgirl who chose to do a history project on the late jazz singer and model Dolly Rathebe‚ is now utilising social media to help raise the cash needed to raise a tombstone in honour of the artist.

During her research‚ Taynita Harilal‚ a Grade 12 learner at Parktown High School for Girls‚ discovered that while Rathebe may have died a legend‚ there was never enough money to raise a tombstone in memory of her.

Rathebe died in 2004 at the age of 75. Synonymous with the music of Sophiatown‚ she first rose to fame in the 1940s when at the age of 19 she starred as a nightclub singer in the film “Jim comes to Jo’burg“.

Harilal kicked off her project by consulting Dolly Rathebe’s peers‚ according to a statement issued by the PR agency she has roped in to help her achieve her goal.

Abigail Khubeka‚ a life-long friend‚ urged Harilal to solicit support for a Rathebe legacy project beyond the schoolroom and assist the family to finally make the tombstone a reality.

“This project has shown me that we can all become active citizens and use our networks and our voices to build our country’s legacy and make a difference‚” said Harilal. “While my school project is now complete‚ I am hoping this call for assistance will encourage South African business and interested persons who are able to assist with contributing to the tombstone will step up and offer a solution where the legacy project can become a reality”.