Kusile sparks joy in 18 Emalahleni schools

Kusile Power Station in collaboration with other roleplayers got together to show that they are not just a bunch of engineers, but have hearts that beat stronger than an electrical pulse as well.

On Thursday, September 5, they answered the call made to them by the SipheKgoaNadi Foundation to please assist schools in communities around eMalahleni in providing much-needed school shoes and sanitary pads for learners after it came to the attention of educators that many children are missing out on valuable days at school due to not having these basic essentials.

Learners and teachers from the schools, namely Nelson Ngubeni Primary School, Nensi Shiba Primary School, Edward Majeka Primary School, Kwa-Guqa Primary School, Blakhill Primary School, Dunbar Primary School, Mapule Sindane Primary School, Besilindile Primary School, Siphendulo Primary School, Jeremia Mdaka Primary School, Moruti Makuse Primary School and Johannes Khananda Primary School gathered at the Nelson Ngubeni Primary School in Kwa-Guqa to receive the donations.

The donation ceremony was opened by beautiful singing and spectacular traditional dancing from learners to set the tone as one of celebration.

Eighteen schools were the joyful recipients of the generous gifts bestowed upon them by the benefactors.

Stef Mamojele, Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kusile Power Station, had the forward-thinking and insight to make contact with Palesa Pads for the donation of sanitary towels for the girls.

Palesa Pads are reusable pads that can be reused for up to five years, thus ensuring the girls’ hygiene needs are taken care of for their entire high school career, not just for one month as would be the case with ordinary sanitary towels.

“This is a hygienic, safe, and sustainable solution not just for a month but for all the months to come for these girls.

Our pads are hygienic, safe, and healthy to use, and provide a long-term solution that restores the dignity of the girls and allows them to be at school without worrying about having to buy pads next month, as well as being gentle on the environment,” explained Sherie ‘Palesa’ de Wet, founder of Palesa Pads.

“We come bearing gifts today. We received the request from the community for Eskom to assist them. Eighteen schools were identified that were in need, and we answered the call.

“Ask no more, we will heed your call and our doors are always open to assist where we can as an organisation.

We looked for a sustainable solution to the needs of the girls, and with Palesa Pads, we found a solution that will see them through in the future, as well as being gentle on the environment,” said Mamojele.

Phillip Dickson, from one of the entities who came onboard for the project, pointed out that, “seven million girls annually are absent from school due to not having sanitary towels during their menstruation.

I asked my wife for comment on this as I am the father of two boys, and she said I should just say I understand, and the thing is I genuinely do, that is why we are here today.”

After a short informative and entertaining demonstration by Simphiwe Mahlangu, a brand ambassador for Palesa Pads, students and teachers from the schools were handed their donations.

“A lot of good stuff is happening in this country and in our communities. From us at Eskom, please receive this token of our appreciation to you, the communities who support us,” were the closing words of Eskom representative, Christopher Nani.

Do you have a story to share?

Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490

•   For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website www.witbanknews.co.za 
•   For more news and articles, like WITBANK NEWS on Facebook or

follow us on Twitter or Instagram