There are few things worse than realising you’ll have to drop your beauty standards because your bank balance looks a bit bleak - and it’s only the middle of the month.

Being on a student’s budget is sadly a common reality for many, but this does not have to affect your grooming regime too much.

Researchers have found a topical vaginal gel that could almost halve a woman’s risk of contracting HIV from unprotected sex and Witsies feel it could be a step in the right direction in terms of women’s independence.

The clear, odourless and tasteless gel contains a drug called tenofovir and is applied using a plastic applicator. It is 39% effective in preventing HIV transmission in women according to the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa.

It’s early on Saturday morning and we head out in search of food.  On our way along the maze-like sand roads we are greeted by other people who have made the trip to the 16th annual Oppikoppi festival in Northam. The dry grass and thorn trees of Limpopo farm now host a mishmash of drunken concert goers and camping gear; Black Label cans hang in the trees.