Blossom Care Solutions

Tshipi é Ntle fights period poverty in the Northern Cape while supporting job creation with Blossom Care Solutions

Tshipi é Ntle Manganese mining (Tshipi) collaborated with Blossom Care Solutions ( Blossom), a social enterprise that exists to combat the issues brought about by period poverty in South Africa, while also investing in sustainable job creation.

A new sanitary pads factory was launched in Kuruman industrial area within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape where the mining communities are based, where operations will be taking place.

“While period poverty is a worldwide problem, in South Africa it is also exacerbated by a social stigma that is still associated with menstruation in some parts of the country, and which causes additional social and economic disadvantages to those affected,” says Mpho Sadiki, General Manager Corporate Affairs at Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining. 

With the district’s high state of poverty, particularly in Ga-segonyane and Joe Morolong local municipalities, where there is a high unemployment rate and low payment for basic services, the majority of people are reliant on social grants and government relief programmes.  With the prevailing triple challenges of inequality, unemployment and poverty experienced within the district, it is evident that too many young girls are forced to miss school due to period poverty. 

“This is why Tshipi é Ntle mine has teamed up with Blossom Care Solutions to establish the factory in Kuruman that will assist local schoolgirls and young women in the fight against period poverty, while also setting up a business supply chain in this part of the Northern Cape that will begin growing other small commercial enterprises.” 

As an advocate for positive change, the group CEO, Ezekiel Lotlhare adds:  “We are in constant pursuit of opportunities that assist in job creation and poverty alleviation, and thus made a conscious decision to explore youth development initiatives that could stimulate active participation in the mainstream economy within our local community.”

“Since the inception of the mine, this is by far the most socially sustainable investment that resonates with the Tshipi leadership ethos of ‘being the change we want to see’ and creating a ripple effect of its value,” notes Zula Tlholoe, Enterprise and Supplier Development Superintendent, who has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.

From the left back: Ezekiel Lotlhare (Tshipi CEO), Mpho Sadiki (Tshipi GM Corporate Affairs), Rebaone Ngakanyane (Blossom Production Worker), Zula Tlholoe (Tshipi Enterprise and Supplier Development Superintendent), Luyanda Dlamini (Tshipi Cormmecial Manager), Shamiela Sarlie (Blossom Managing Director), Tebogo Buti, (Blossom Business Coach).

From left front: Kgomotso Gaosenkwe, Kago Pule, Onallena Baitshupi and Keneilwe Selobiwe (Blossom Production Workers).