Most of the learners are absent from school during their monthly menstrual periods because they do not have the money to buy feminine hygiene products.

According to one of the members, Lesego Sathekge, the group assists ten girls from each school in Ikageng on a monthly basis. ‘We have Mandela Day every month and we will continue to donate sanitary pads to the schools in our community. We hope to get sponsors for this to ensure that a girl child can come to school with confidence,’ says Lesego.

Granny Mojapele, another member of the club, added that the other donations would ensure that the learners could also take a bath and wear a clean uniform to school.

 

Kgomotso Mafoko, who also teamed up with the club that day, made a surprise announcement that Sanlam had agreed to donate 1 000 packets of sanitary pads to the school in the coming weeks. ‘Every child in the area is also our child. We have resources in Potchefstroom; it is high time that they are properly used to assist our community,’ he said sternly.

According to Pontsho Pilane, a health reporter at the Mail and Guardian, numerous studies have shown that not using pads can have health implications like urinary tract infections. It also infringes on the people’s right to dignity as entrenched in our constitution. Pilane says no other province has launched free pad projects on the same scale as KwaZulu-Natal, and are unlikely to do so soon as there is a lack of political will or coordination.

The principal of the school, Mokgele Mahlatsi, says they are grateful for the women’s initiative ‘for a worthy cause’.

‘These women provide basic necessities like sanitary pads, bath soap…and general hygiene products for a girl child. They are the future mothers,’ he said.

Minah Kaka, one of the educators, thanked the women for their generosity and said not just anyone could do this work. She asked God to bless them and open doors where they knock, seeking assistance.

Lesego says, while the Women’s Club does not have any sponsors yet, they are busy working towards that. ‘We would gladly accept any donations or sponsorship from organisations or members of the public.To assist the group, please call Lesego Sathekge at 079 588 0619.