Volunteer group Kasi Beemers held a sanitary drive in Masiphumelele to assist women in need on Women’s Day, Tuesday 9 August.
The group that began as an all-men’s group is the brainchild of Bongani Doyi.
“Kasi comes from the name township, we wanted it to suit everyone from Hout Bay, Ocean View and Masiphumelele.
“The group was started in January (last year) when my friends and I had the idea to do something for our community. We thought about how we could help people who are struggling in the community.
“We also wanted to help people without expecting anything in return such as assisting fire victims by donating clothes and other items,” said Doyi.
Donations for the sanitary drive came from the Masiphemelele rugby team, a local filling station.
A local butchery donated food for the day.
“We started the group because there is a stigma that men are trash or dogs. We wanted to prove that there are still good men out there, good fathers and that we appreciate women. Two ladies have since joined the group.”
The sanitary pads were handed to women on the streets of Masiphumelele and gifted to Hokisa Home.
Doyi said their message to other men was to protect women.
“Let’s all protect our women and children by all costs, if it means jumping in front of a bullet to save a woman or whatever else it may be. We want to protect our women. We want to prove to other men that we can do better.”
He added that the group is also gathering clothes, toys and books for children in need.
“Last year, we started off by buying toys and school books and donated them to homes for children. If help is needed, it doesn’t matter where, we will help.
“In December there are children who are struggling and don’t receive clothes from their parents. We also decided that we wanted to buy clothes for these kids.”
Ward 69 councillor Patricia Francke was invited to the event. She said she respects the initiative.
“The group initiated the action to collect sanitary pads, school uniforms, blankets and food parcels to assist those women in need and who are suffering because of lack of resources to obtain these items.”
