EAST LONDON – Hope Schools in KuGompo City has received a donation of 10,000 packs of sanitary pads following a community and factory celebration hosted by Stayfree and Banyana Banyana in East London.
The handover took place at Kenvue’s East London manufacturing facility.
Employees who produce Stayfree products stepped onto the pitch alongside South Africa’s senior women’s national football team.
Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane, defender Antonia Maponya, and forward Gabriela Salgado joined head coach Dr Desiree Ellis and SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao for the celebration.
The programme featured football drills with learners from Hope Schools and two friendly matches between national players and Kenvue factory staff.
Every goal scored during these matches unlocked 1,000 packs of pads for the school.
Turning goals on the pitch into dignity in the classroom
The East London stop marks the latest milestone in the Goals 4 Pads initiative, which launched at SAFA House on June 19, 2026.
Through the partnership between Stayfree—the Official Sanitary Pad Sponsor of Banyana Banyana — and the South African Football Association (SAFA), every goal scored by the national team translates into 1,000 packs of sanitary pads.
These packs are distributed to schools and football academies across South Africa.
Before arriving in the Eastern Cape, Stayfree’s Goals 4 Pads ledge had already generated 14,000 sanitary pad packs following a four-day Bloemfontein fan activation.
This followed Banyana’s two-legged Olympic qualifier against Madagascar. Earlier in the year, Stayfree also backed the team’s WAFCON sendoff to Morocco.
For Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane, seeing the campaign reach young learners directly gives the team’s performances deeper meaning.
“Anything that brings change to the communities, I am rooting for it. I’m really grateful that this initiative is aimed at communities that are disadvantaged, and mostly women that are disadvantaged,” Jane said.
“When we play, we play to give hope, but we now play for a greater purpose. We know the struggle that women face when it’s that time of the month, and it’s great to know that now something can be done about it.”
Jane also shared a message of encouragement for the young footballers who participated in the East London drills: “Never give up hope, always keep on fighting, and never forget where you come from.”
Why period poverty remains a barrier in women’s sport
Founded in 2005 by the First City Baptist Church of East London, Hope Schools provides private-school level education to vulnerable children.
The school caters to learners from Grade 00 to Grade 12 on land donated by Johnson & Johnson.
For the girls at Hope Schools, the arrival of Banyana Banyana and the 10,000 sanitary pads was more than just a sports event.
It was a moment of profound validation for a school that has historically faced immense challenges.
One learner painted a vivid picture of the school’s roots, sharing that Hope Schools started 21 years ago as a refuge for children facing poverty and HIV.
“This made a really big impact on us as learners, and we are grateful to experience this today,” she said.
Another learner expressed the sheer disbelief of the moment. “We thought that we are such a small school in the Eastern Cape,” she said. “But we are grateful to be here, to receive such a life-changing donation and to meet the national team.”
Their gratitude was palpable, but the true impact goes far beyond the thrill of meeting their heroes.
Receiving these 10,000 sanitary pads means these young girls can now stay in school and actively participate in their favourite sports without fear or interruption.
One learner captured the true impact of the day: “We are very grateful for what they’ve done for us. It means we can keep playing our favourite sports and stay focused on our learning.”
Speaking at the handover, SAFA CEO and former Banyana captain Lydia Monyepao emphasised that period poverty remains a direct obstacle keeping talented girls off the pitch and out of classrooms.
“If we are serious about building women’s football in South Africa, we must address the practical barriers that prevent girls from participating,” Monyepao said.
“No young woman should have to choose between her basic needs and the passion for football.
“Access to sanitary products is not a luxury. It is an important part of supporting their dignity, confidence and participation.”
SAFA Buffalo City Metro vice-president Pumza Dana echoed Monyepao’s sentiments.
Dana thanked Stayfree for recognising that sanitary products are essential to female athlete welfare and praised Banyana players as vital role models for girls in townships and rural communities.
Celebrating the East London workers behind Stayfree
Beyond the donation, the event placed a spotlight on the Kenvue employees in East London.
Their daily work manufactures Stayfree products for women across the region.
Astrid Stealey, Kenvue’s Area Managing Director for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said meaningful sponsorships must connect brand purpose with both communities and employees.
“Our challenge is to keep asking ourselves what more this partnership can make possible—how we turn attention into action and create meaningful connections,” Stealey told staff at the facility.
“You’re not simply hosting a celebration; you’re part of the reason that we’re here. The people behind Stayfree are an important part of the brand story, and your everyday contribution makes this possible.”
With the East London celebration complete, Banyana Banyana shift their focus back to international competition.
This follows their hard-fought World Cup 2027 qualifier victory over Nigeria’s Super Falcons as the road to Brazil 2027 continues.
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