More than 500 girls from two Soweto schools received dignity packs on Friday, 11 April 2025, as part of the Birdies for Dignity campaign — a charitable initiative linked to the Joburg Ladies Open international golf tournament.
The campaign, aimed at transforming the lives of young girls by providing essential personal care items, ended on a high note following the tournament’s Pro-Am event. A total of R7,500 was raised through a light-hearted challenge that fined players R50 for each golf ball that landed in a water hazard — with all proceeds directed towards the cause.
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, handed over the dignity packs to pupils at Phefeni Secondary School and Orlando West High School. For the Mayor, the event held personal significance — he matriculated from Phefeni Secondary School in the early 1990s.
Today, the school serves 519 pupils in Grades 10 to 12, including 337 girls, many of whom come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Each of these female learners received a dignity pack.
Orlando West High School, established in 1939 and renowned for its historic role in the anti-apartheid movement, also benefited from the campaign. The school has just under 500 pupils, with 199 girls in Grades 8 to 12. A total of 130 dignity packs were distributed to girls in the lower grades.
Mayor Morero highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by many girls during menstruation, stating that around 30% of girls in South Africa miss school each month due to a lack of access to sanitary products.
“The “Birdies for Dignity” campaign, launched by the Joburg Ladies Open, aims to change this troubling statistic. By providing essential dignity packs, the initiative not only empowers young girls but also advocates for their rights and underscores the importance of community support,” said Cllr Morero.
“The campaign’s overarching goal is to ensure that no young girl has to miss school due to a lack of sanitary products, thereby allowing them to maintain their dignity throughout the year. This inspiring donation of crucial supplies is instrumental in fostering an environment where young girls can attend school with respect and dignity, empowering them to reach their full potential.”
Sponsors such as the Kit Kat Group and Itu Golf Wear played a key role by donating dignity packs, while guests, players, and spectators supported the campaign by contributing essential toiletries — including sanitary towels, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soap, and body lotion.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi