To mark the global celebration of Mandela Day, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), led by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina, donated sanitary pads to Kliptown Secondary School.
In honour of Nelson Mandela's legacy, more than 750 girls in 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.
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 1600 pupils and holds historical significance. It was established in 1924 and was the first school Mandela visited when released from prison, a befitting beneficiary for the JDA and the City of Johannesburg.
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 City of Johannesburg and the JDA sought 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.
Commenting on the initiative, MMC Mgcina said we have areas in Johannesburg where girls do not have access to feminine hygiene.
“I am delighted to have partaken in this initiative. One could see that the girls were happy to celebrate such an important day recognised globally that commemorates our icon, Nelson Mandela,” MMC Mgcina said.
MMC Mgcina 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 pads programme.
“I am also 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, Mr Zaine Evans, said the school services pupils all over the area including Slovo Park, Freedom Park and Mandela Square.
“We are happy and elated that the MMC and the JDA came to experience first-hand what the 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 improve for the better,” Mr Evans said.
ENDS
Issued by: Kenneth Nxumalo
Johannesburg Development Agency
For more information:
Elias Nkabinde
Email: enkabinde@jda.org.za
076 961 8022
www.jda.org.za
19/07/2023
