• Neziswa Ntante donated maternity sanitary towels and baby clothes to Michael Maphongwana clinic after remembering her own struggles as a new mother.

• The Western Cape Department of Health welcomes donations of clean, gently used clothes to help support patients and community members.

The Kumnandi Kum organisation in Cape Town has donated maternity sanitary towels to mothers at the Michael Maphongwana clinic in Khayelitsha.

Neziswa Ntante, the director of the organisation, chose to celebrate her birthday by giving back to the clinic where she once gave birth.

“As someone who gave birth at the clinic, I know how women struggled to get maternity sanitary towels. That is why I decided to celebrate my birthday by giving back to them, even though I didn’t hand over the sanitary towels and the pads the same day,” said Neziswa.

She started the foundation two years ago after noticing that most companies focus on medical aid for physical assistance but ignore mental health.

“We are a wellness company doing team-building focusing on mental health and content writing, to mention but a few. With everything I have mentioned, I saw it important to come and assist mothers at the clinic,” said Neziswa.

She noticed that some mothers struggled to get clothes for their babies.

“I know some parents need all the help they can get. I used money from my pocket to buy the maternity sanitary towels, and I was also assisted by friends who donated the clothes. We can make a lot of change if we help where we can as human beings,” said Neziswa.

Abulele Dyasi, spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health, said they appreciate donations and accept gently used clothes that are clean and in good condition.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kumnandi Foundation for their generous donations. Donations help us support our patients and community. Organisations or individuals wanting to donate can obtain a donation form from the facility manager,” said Dyasi.

Pictured above: Neziswa Ntante, the Director of Kumnandi Foundation, with Sister Khumbu Bebeza at Michael Maphongwana clinic in Khayelitsha.

Image source: Buziwe Nocuze