East London Secondary School learners with Skeem Saam's star. Clement Maosa (left) and General Bantu Holomisa (Middle).
Image: SUPPLIED
In observance of International Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28), the Imbumba Foundation has partnered with the General Bantu Holomisa Charity Golf Day and Clement Maosa in a month-long campaign aimed at donating one million sanitary pads to nearly 50,000 girl learners across South Africa’s nine provinces.
The campaign aligns with this year’s global theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, which seeks to break menstrual health stigmas and ensure period poverty does not prevent children from accessing education.
As part of the Eastern Cape leg of the initiative, the Foundation collaborated with Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans (Holomisa). Through the Bantu Holomisa Charity Golf Day, more than 36,000 sanitary pads were distributed to 736 learners at East London High School and Sikhulule Secondary School.
East London Secondary School learners receiving sanitary pads.
Image: SUPPLIED
Popular Skeem Saam actor Clement Maosa also joined the campaign as part of his month-long birthday outreach programme. Maosa is visiting 100 schools across the country to deliver motivational talks and donate essential items, including school shoes.
During visits to Ebenezer Secondary School, Ulwazi Secondary School and Qaqamba High School, Maosa encouraged learners to focus on their studies and pursue their ambitions despite difficult circumstances. He also shared insights into opportunities within the performing arts and defence sectors.
“We are truly grateful for these partnerships,” the Imbumba Foundation said in a statement.
“No child should be denied their right to education simply because they are undergoing a natural stage of adolescence. Together, we are working to bring a definitive end to period poverty,” said Richard Mabaso.
Clement Maosa, General Bantu Holomisa and the Imbumba Foundation's CEO, Richard Mabasi.
Image: SUPPLIED
Speaking about the Eastern Cape visits, Clement Maosa said the experience left a lasting impression on him.
“The Eastern Cape sort of stole my heart because we visited townships and the love and reception we received from the learners was heartwarming. They didn’t want us to leave because many of these schools are marginalised and neglected, and learners are not used to public figures or role models visiting them,” he said.
“That is why, as the Bakgetho Foundation, we decided to collaborate with the Imbumba Foundation to donate sanitary towels and help keep girl children in school. We want to restore confidence in these learners. Menstruation is normal and should never be a barrier to education.”
Founded by Richard Mabaso, the Imbumba Foundation runs the Caring4Girls programme, which provides menstrual hygiene support and puberty education to disadvantaged learners in an effort to reduce absenteeism and restore dignity.