Kliptown Secondary girls benefit from JDA’s sanitary towels drive

​To mark the global celebration of Mandela Day, the Development Agency (JDA), led by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Eunice Mgcina, donated sanitary towels to Kliptown Secondary School.

Mandela Day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on values and principles and to make a positive impact in their communities.

Located in Eldorado Park, Kliptown Secondary School has more than 1 600 pupils and holds historical significance. It was the first school Mandela visited after being released from prison, a fitting beneficiary for the JDA.  

The lack of access to menstrual health support and feminine hygiene products affects school-going young girls. With a deep commitment to addressing feminine hygiene challenges faced by girls, the JDA aimed to uplift and empower them through this crucial Mandela Day initiative.

The project also seeks to alleviate the burden of feminine hygiene management, which often impedes education, well-being, and overall quality of life.​ More than 750 girls at Kliptown High School will have a greater chance of staying in school to reach their full potential after the JDA distributed hundreds of sanitary pads to girls in need.Commenting on the initiative, MMC Mgcina said there are areas in Johannesburg where girls do not have access to feminine hygiene.

“I am delighted to be part of this initiative. One could see that the girls were happy to celebrate such an important day recognised globally that commemorates our icon, Nelson Mandela,” she said.

She also referred to the City’s 2023/24 budget in which the Health Department received an additional allocation of R10 million for the roll out of the sanitary towels programme.

“I am happy that council has taken a decision to ensure that all our clinics provide sanitary pads so girls across the city can access them. It is important that our clinics have these lifesaving items for our girls and their needs,” said MMC Mgcina.  

The principal of Kliptown Secondary School, Zaine Evans, said the school services pupils all over the area including Slovo Park, Freedom Park and Mandela Square.

“We are happy the MMC and the JDA came to experience first-hand what our children are going through and looking into their needs. Days like Mandela Day are significant because we have faith in our country and we know that things will grow for the better,” said Evans. 

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