Impact report | Fires, festivals and the fight against period poverty

#SheMatters campaignThe Witness successfully launched its #SheMatters sanitary pad campaign to highlight the effect period poverty has on schoolgirls. The campaign focused on the importance of sanitary products to girls’ dignity, hygiene and ability to attend school without disruption. The Witness partnered with major retailers to establish collection points for sanitary pad donations for distribution to schools in need.

The newspaper has also supported the Purple Power Pads for a Purpose campaign, which assists girls from disadvantaged communities. Reporter Andiswa Mchunu covered a Women’s Month initiative at Zuzulwazi Secondary School in Elandskop, where sanitary products were distributed to pupils and attention was again placed on keeping girls in school. Jika Joe fireThe Witness provided extensive coverage from the scene of the devastating Jika Joe informal settlement fire.

Reporter Andiswa Mchunu spoke to residents as firefighters continued battling the blaze and hundreds of people faced the loss of their homes and belongings. Mchunu’s reporting focused on the people affected, including families fleeing the flames, children needing shelter and residents left with little or nothing. Photographer Moeketsi Mamane documented the destruction through a strong photo essay showing burnt-out homes, twisted metal, smoke and residents trying to salvage what remained.

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The coverage also highlighted the immediate need for food, clothing, blankets and shelter, helping to draw attention to the humanitarian response required after the fire. Pensioners trapped in debtThe Witness continued its multi-part series on the financial pressure facing pensioners. In the second instalment, reporter Andiswa Mchunu examined how rising living costs are forcing some pensioners to borrow money simply to cover basic monthly expenses.

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