Duduza – Social worker Lethabo Maubane is making a powerful impact in the Duduza community through school enrichment programmes aimed at supporting and uplifting learners, especially those from under-resourced backgrounds.
Through her work in schools, which includes counselling and one-on-one sessions, Maubane noticed a recurring issue among girl learners: a lack of access to basic sanitary products.
Moved by what she heard in her sessions, Maubane launched her first sanitary pad drive at Nimrod Ndebele Secondary School in a bid to tackle period poverty.
“During my sessions with the girls, many of them couldn’t even speak about their struggles without feeling embarrassed or ashamed,” she said.
“It wasn’t just about missing school due to a lack of sanitary products. It was the shame and silence around something so natural.
“I remember one of them whispering, ‘We cannot tell our moms. We are scared.’ That moment sparked something in me.”
What began with her giving a single pack to one learner soon grew into a broader initiative. As more girls received support, Maubane saw the need to expand the drive into a fully fledged programme.
“This initiative is not just about pads for me. It is about restoring dignity. I wanted the entire experience to be respectful, beautiful and affirming.
“Each care pack is not only functional, but also includes juice and small treats to remind each girl that she is valued,” she said.
LO teacher Zhunique Wildeman receiving the donations from Lethabo Maubane. Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni
Partnering with Boxer Super Store in Nigel, Maubane secured 68 sanitary pad packs for the drive. Her target was 8,000, and although she only managed to gather 400 dignity packs, the impact was deeply felt.
“Nimrod Ndebele has 200 learners, so the remaining 200 packs will be donated to another school soon. I dream big. Even if it takes time, my goal is to reach as many learners as possible by the end of this year,” she said.
Maubane also runs a support programme for out-of-school youth, particularly post-matric learners, where they gain access to practical skills and mentorship.
“Giving back is not just something I do. It is how I breathe. It is my oxygen. This was my first time organising a large-scale pad drive, and I have learned so much about how to run such initiatives. If I can contribute meaningfully to change, I know I am living my purpose,” she said.
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As part of the initiative, Lifeline counsellor Nontlahla Baleka-Nxumalo was invited to give learners a motivational talk. She addressed issues such as self-awareness, peer pressure, the challenges teenagers face, and the importance of knowing about contraceptives.
“To prevent teenage pregnancy, teenagers need access to information about contraceptives, condoms and abstinence. Young people often struggle with a sense of belonging and may seek affection in unsafe places,” she said.
She offered learners key techniques to manage peer pressure:• Learn to say no: Practise turning down things you are uncomfortable with.
• Know your values: Understand what you believe in and stay true to it.
• Choose the right friends: Surround yourself with people who respect your choices.
• Change the topic or remove yourself: Redirect uncomfortable conversations and walk away when necessary.
• Build self-confidence: Believe in yourself and do not let others define you.
• Seek guidance: Talk to adults, mentors or teachers when you need support.
“When learners understand their strengths and weaknesses, they begin to practise positive self-talk,” Baleka-Nxumalo concluded.
“They are encouraged to be honest and to seek help, knowing they have a strong support system within their schools.”
The high school learners listened attentively to the speakers.
Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni.
The learners were happy to receive dignitary packs. Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni
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