MCC empowers around 1 700 schoolgirls across Four Farms with hygiene packs

Burgersfort: Marula Community Chrome (MCC) has distributed hygiene packs to close on 1 700 girls across all high schools in the company’s six host communities. The donation of hygiene packs coincides with Women’s Month and reflects MCC’s commitment to empowering young women and supporting their educational journeys. Each pack includes sanitary pads, a mirror, lip balm, roll-on deodorant, and Vaseline, all essential items aimed at helping young girls manage personal hygiene with dignity and confidence and helping them avoid time off school which impacts their education.

MCC Chairman, Dr Kinesh Pather, commented, “Our support is rooted in addressing the direct needs of our communities, with a strong focus on women and youth. Young girls face numerous challenges that can hinder their ability to learn and thrive. We believe that by providing these hygiene packs, we are not only meeting a basic need but also affirming their worth and potential.” Tiny Tebele, from Kesaoboka Foundation, MCC’s implementing partner and a community-based organisation, added, “This project is deeply personal to us. As a foundation born from these communities, we witness first-hand the struggles many young women face.

When MCC approached us with this initiative, we embraced it wholeheartedly, knowing the profound impact it would have. These items may seem small, but they make a significant difference in helping girls stay in school and feel valued. We are sincerely grateful to MCC for this impactful contribution.” MCC, a community-owned company holding a 50% stake in the unique Makgomo Chrome Project, has already delivered impactful community development projects across the Four Farms communities with the earnings derived from the chrome project.

These include the provision of alternative energy solutions to over 5 000 less privileged households; the solarisation of 29 schools and ECD centres providing sustainable energy solutions for learners; financial support for small businesses and individuals through short-term loans; and the provision of livestock feed and dips to cattle farmers to bolster local agriculture, among many others. “All our projects have one purpose: to uplift and empower those most in need across the Four Farms communities, enabling sustainable and lasting development as was originally intended with the establishment of MCC,” concludes Pather.