This news aggregator site highlights South African labour news from a wide range of internet and print sources. Each posting has a synopsis of the source article, together with a link or reference to the original. Postings cover the range of labour related matters from industrial relations to generalist human resources.The Citizen reports that a machine that will produce the world’s first biodegradable menstrual hygiene pads has been unveiled at the historic Liliesleaf Farm, as part of the Nelson Mandela centenary commemorations.
The technology was launched by the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) in collaboration with Cintron Energy Drink and Aakar, an Indian empowerment company. The NMF said: “The machine is revolutionary in that it is designed in five to six different parts to make a world standard product, but can be operated by women from underprivileged, rural backgrounds. We have been able to skill people in about two weeks to bring production to near full potential.” Various materials are used in parts of the sanitary napkins that are finally amalgamated as one pad, making it easier for a self-help group of women to work on a unit in a rural area. Each unit will be placed in a rural setting, giving 13 to 14 locals jobs. “This also creates sustainable livelihoods. It helps us meet several UN Millenial Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals,” the NMF said, adding that the machine would produce 2,000 to 2,500 pads a day. The product is reportedly “100% compostable”.
- Read this report by Chisom Jenniffer Okoye in full at The Citizen
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