KZN sanitary pad drive hailed

THE Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has made a commitment to distribute sanitary pads to school-going girls who cannot afford them. The department says it plans to distribute free sanitary pads to 2 992 schools in the province in an effort to reduce the dropout rate among girls.

The programme has been hailed as a progressive move after an image of the provincial government-issued pads went viral on social media.

Great to see the KZN Dept of Education producing sanitary pads for needy girls. Hopefully this is widespread. pic.twitter.com/AhEPW2698F

— Nicole Graham (@NicoleGraham031) January 31, 2017

In a recent circular, the department said four packs per student will be distributed to schools in lower income communities by the end of January.

“It is expected that the next delivery will commence in the next financial year should the funds be available,” the circular read.

The department said female pupils miss out on school because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

It is estimated that roughly seven million girls in South Africa miss school every month because of this. In April, members of Parliament called on government to remove VAT on sanitary pads.

The principal of each school will be responsible for the distribution of the sanitary pads to learners in grades 4 to 12. According to the department, each learner will receive a pack each month.

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