Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Chronicle Correspondent
THE San community in Bulilima West has received sanitary pads from Plumtree town youths, a move meant to help young girls and women who at times resort to using old rags.
The initiative to donate 250 sanitary pads to the San community in Makhulela Village was led by South Africa-based Yvonne Maphosa.
Fellow donors Ms Tahana Dube, Mr Dumisani Magalane aka DJ Yugoe, Mr Prosper Henry Moyo, Mr Handsome Sibanda and Ms Norah M Adams travelled to the village for the handover.
Speaking at the ceremony at Makhulela Garden, village head Mrs Matshena Ncube said she was happy that San girls have not been forgotten as a part of Zimbabwean society.
“We learnt a lot on how to use the pads from the fellow girls who gave us this precious product. For girls going to school it’s a panacea as now they will be able to attend lessons when they resume without any obstacles,” said Mrs Ncube.
One of the beneficiaries, 20-year-old Celani Tshuma thanked the donors and appealed for more help to meet their needs.
“The challenge that we had as a society mainly as girls is that we used old clothes for our menstruation cycle because of scarcity of pads. Such methods are said to be unhealthy but we have had no choice as a girl community,” she said.
Another community member Ms Silungelani Tshuma said: “Apart from such a great programme which we are humbled to receive this donation we also need clothes and soap among other things.”
Zanu-PF Bulilima West constituency administration officer Cde Philasande Malinga-Ndlovu urged the private sector and well-wishers to ensure that the San community does not suffer from exclusion.
The donation comes at a time when Bulilima West Constituency legislator Cde Dingumuzi Phuti is working with relevant authorities in setting up the first clinic and school in the area. — @mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter