Marula Community Chrome (MCC) launched its Seriti Pele (Dignity First) programme in partnership with Miss Sekhukhune District and The Imbumba foundation. The programme will ensure that 1,800 girls across all secondary schools in the Four Farms area will receive monthly dignity packs, along with information about feminine hygiene and reproductive health.
It is a well-documented fact that girl learners are often forced to miss school because they do not have access to sanitary products to manage their monthly menstrual periods with dignity and confidence. This often results in young girls falling behind in their education and even dropping out of school, an outcome we can ill-afford in a country plagued by high levels of youth unemployment.
From 22 to 26 June, Miss Sekhukhune and representatives from MCC visited Mohlalamorudi Secondary School, Makopi Secondary School, Dihlabakelo Secondary School, Makgamatha Secondary School, Mokwadibe Secondary School, Mosedi Secondary School, and Shakung Secondary School, all located in the communities around the Makgomo Chrome Project, of which MCC is the largest shareholder and beneficiary of the proceeds generated by the chrome operation.
In September 2025, MCC undertook a similar project, reaching 1,700 schoolgirls across Four Farms and, having seen the impact – which extends way beyond the handout of sanitary products – is now hoping to make this a more permanent part of its community development programme.
MCC Chairman, Dr Kinesh Pather, said: “In today’s day and age, there should be no reason for girl learners not to enjoy the same educational opportunities as the young men who sit next to them in a classroom. While this is a national problem that is finally receiving the attention it deserves, we are proud to play our part in ensuring that no girls in the Four Farms communities have to make a choice between education or dignity.”
As the leading sponsor of the Miss Sekhukhune District pageant, it is fitting that MCC has joined hands with the reigning queen, Mogau Moropa, for this initiative. The 21-year-old model and entrepreneur, who hails from the area, understands better than most the challenges faced by young girls in high school. As such, she has dedicated her year as Miss Sekhukhune District to community development initiatives that empower the youth. With her diploma in Human Resources Management and experience in dealing with young women, Moropa is perfectly placed to provide vital information to these young learners that will assist and empower them in making vital life choices.
“I can attest that young girls face many challenges that can hinder their ability to learn and thrive in their final years of school, which has a very real impact on any opportunities for tertiary studies and future career choices,” shares Moropa. “It is not just the lack of access to female hygiene products and proper sanitation facilities in the schools; it is also about pervasive cultural taboos, and I hope to address some of these in frank and constructive conversations with these young learners over the next few months as we roll out this programme in our communities.”
The Seriti Pele programme will run from June – a month in which we celebrate our youth – to the end of December 2026, ensuring that every month around 28,800 sanitary pads are distributed to girl learners across the seven schools. At the end of the year, a full impact assessment will determine the format for next year’s programme.
Seriti sa Gagwe, Bokamoso bja Gagwe