Two young men from Gugulethu are collecting donations of sanitary pads to help make a difference in the lives of girls in their community.
Wonke Mapeyi, 27, and Thulani Sam, 30, do not belong to any organisation but they saw a need in their community and decided to do something about it.
“Late last year we decided to start this initiative because of some close people we know that even miss school when they are on their periods because of not having sanitary pads,” said Wonke.
He said he had also seen girls dropping out of school because they were made fun of in front of others.
“The main reason why my friend and I decided to start this initiative was because of the phrase we grew up knowing – “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” – so we can’t just sit and watch our sisters suffer like this,” he added.
The 27-year-old explained that some girls would use other materials when they are on their periods which could put their health in danger.
Wonke said they had started collecting the sanitary pads from individuals who had been donating but they still want more. The pads will be sent out to schools in Gugulethu and surrounding areas on April 1.
He asks anyone who would
like to help them, including
businesses, to call him on 067 831 4279.