Reusable Pads | Changing Lives & Helping the Planet

But recently, that reality changed for hundreds of learners thanks to the collaborative impact of Macsteel and our partners.

Back in November 2024, The Umtshayelo Foundation (TUF), together with Komani and backed by the support of Macsteel, hit the road with 400 reusable menstrual pad packs. The team spent two days at two schools in the Western Cape. What they witnessed was a powerful reminder of how a simple product, paired with honest conversation, can truly change things.

Reflections from a Road Trip

Here is an excerpt from Komani’s road trip journal.

Day 1: Bringing Relief to a Familiar Community in Hermon

Our first stop was Rondeheuwel Primary School in Hermon, a small rural town we know well from our after-school programmes. We’ve seen the need here firsthand.

Even on a sweltering day, right in the middle of exam season, the girls were so engaged. One teacher pulled us aside to say the timing was "perfect." It turns out, many of the learners rely on the school secretary for pads each month. Because of you, these girls are heading into the new year with one less thing to worry about, armed with a reliable, long-term solution.

Mere reusable menstrual pads on the outside, a sense of security on the inside.

Day 2: The Power of a Safe Space in Mitchells Plain

At Tafelsig Primary in Mitchells Plain, our session started with the usual chaos of figuring out space, getting everyone settled. But then something beautiful happened.

After we finished, a group of girls hung back. Filled with genuine worry, they asked questions that really mattered:

• “How will I know when my period is coming?”
• “What can I do to be ready?”
• “Ma’am, what actually causes an infection?”

We took our time. There was no rushing. Their curiosity was real, and their need for clear, kind answers was even more so. The best part? Their excitement over the colourful, reusable Komani pads was just as strong as their desire to learn. Some even asked where to buy more for their sisters and mums—proof that this impact ripples straight out into their homes.

So, What’s the Real Ripple Effect?

You might wonder what 400 packs actually achieve. The answer is so much more than you’d think!

For our planet:

Start the maths with one Komani pack that lasts a girl for up to three years, replacing over 200 disposable pads a year. Multiply that by all 400 girls, and it results in keeping tens of thousands of pads out of landfills. The simple switch has a massive environmental win.

For the young women:

This is about more than just products. It’s about:

• Dignity. Managing their period with confidence, not shame.
• Attendance. Fewer days missed at school thanks to reliable protection.
• Knowledge. Understanding their bodies and feeling in control.

For their communities:

And let’s not forget where these pads come from. They’re made by resilient women who were previously unemployed. With your support, Komani has empowered them with skills, training, and a stable income.

A Final, Heartfelt Thank You

Macsteel, you made all of this happen. Thank you for seeing a need and acting. Thank you for caring about these girls, for helping to break down stigma, and for believing in a solution that’s both smart and sustainable.

We can’t wait to see what we continue to build together in 2026. Here’s to a future where every single girl can walk into her classroom ready to learn, participate, and just be a kid.

REACH OUT for more information on how Macsteel CSR is building that future, one pack at a time.