College of Education
Unisans serve humanity by developing a sustainable community project
A new project was launched as part of the Community of Practice, which is hosted by Unisa’s Department of Adult Community and Continuing Education in the Gauteng Region, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide in Australia, the University of Venḓa and Padjadjaran University in Indonesia.
The project is collaborating with the Thlahopele, Sibanakekeli beMvelo and Dzomo ḽa Mupo communities, and the common goal is to support the balance between multispecies. This involves creating a state of stability in an ecosystem where species coexist with each other and their environment. As a result, the project team embarked on producing reusable nappies for adults and babies, sanitary pads and breast pads, in order to reduce water and land pollution.
Community members at the Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre attending a workshop
"We realised that disposable nappies and sanitary pads were among the biggest contributors to environmental waste," said Mamello Mothibe. Pricillia Mohlakeng added: "Creating reusable alternatives not only means reducing waste but also represents a step towards leading a sustainable lifestyle."
The products created by the women are all made for comfort, reliability and usability. The reusable nappies and sanitary pads are produced by using organic products that are soft on the skin. No chemicals are used. For nursing mothers, the project leaders also produced breast pads, offering mothers comfort and hygiene.
Reusable alternatives: (Left) breast pads, (right) nappies
The initiative has garnered a lot of positive responses from those who have been shown sample products. The Community of Practice wishes to spread their reach by collaborating with local clinics, old-age homes, churches, hospitals and the Department of Social Development.
To ensure excellent quality, members of the project conducted extensive research. The project started when women were involved in a community engagement project run by Prof Janet McIntyre-Mills, Professor Extraordinarius at Unisa’s College of Education, and Patricia Lethole of Unisa’s Gauteng Region.
One of the project leaders wanted to address the problem of girls not attending school because they do not have sanitary towels. "So, with our product, they do not have to stay at home," said Mohlakeng. "The girls will no longer have to worry about money to buy sanitary towels as they can use our reusable sanitary towels."
Breast pads are not only cost-effective and sustainable but also ensure that nursing mothers have one less thing on their shopping lists.
These reusable, eco-friendly products reduce the impact on the environment in a big way. Reusable nappies and pads reduce waste entering our wetlands as disposable hygiene products comprise a significant amount of non-biodegradable refuse that can take hundreds of years to decompose. Reusable products, meanwhile, can be washed and used multiple times, slashing waste on a mammoth scale. Not only does this help save our natural resources, but it also reduces the carbon footprint caused by single-use items.
The project is also about education and community, and workshops are regularly run. The women in the community gather daily at the Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre to sew more products – in the process empowering one another and collaborating to progress the project.
The project is looking for funding and sponsored materials to assist in its efforts. They also want to engage with the youth in the community, with plans to apply for funding from the National Youth Development Agency.
It is projects like these that show what can be achieved when we work together to solve big problems. This project is empowering individuals, supporting sustainable living, and contributing to a more dignified and healthy community by offering sustainable and affordable hygiene solutions.
* By Obakeng Motsamai, Acting Manager: Communication and Marketing, Unisa Gauteng Region, and Pat Lethole, Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre Manager, Unisa Gauteng Region
Publish date: 2025/02/25
New Unisa partnership set to benefit youth and unemployed graduates
Landmark exhibition reflects Unisa's Pan-African vision
Unisa paves the way for agricultural resilience and sustainability in the Eastern Cape
Unisa empowers communities through school literacy project
Unisa students embark on an academic journey in Romania