City of Johannesburg

Johannesburg Development Agency

No 3 Helen Joseph Street PO Box 61877 Tel +27(0) 11 688 7851 (O)
The Bus Factory Marshalltown Fax +27(0) 11 688 7899/63
Newtown 2107 E-mail: info@jda.org.za
Johannesburg, 2000

www.jda.org.za
www.joburg.org.za
To: All news editors
For immediate release
18 August 2023

JDA AND QUADRANT SYSTEMS PARTNER TO EMPOWER YOUNG GIRLS IN

KAALFONTEIN

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), in collaboration with Quadrant Systems Pty
Ltd, has taken a significant step towards empowering young girls by addressing a critical
aspect of their education and well-being.

In celebration of Women’s Month, this partnership has undertaken the noble endeavour of
donating sanitary pads to 980 girls from David Makhubo Secondary School in Kaalfontein on
Thursday, 17 August.

The sanitary pad drive occurred under the theme, “Empowering a woman is empowering
humanity”. Underpinned the pivotal role that access to sanitary pads products plays in
ensuring girls' health, education, and empowerment.

Recognising the numerous challenges that girls in disadvantaged communities face,

particularly during their menstrual cycles, the JDA and Quadrant Systems Pty Ltd have come
together to address an often-overlooked aspect of female development.

Directors
D Oliphant (Chairperson) S Genu (Acting CEO) M Mokoena M Ntanga M Ramonyai N Zonela B Sarela P Numa V Hlongwa J Makgonye S Masiza
Registration Number: 2001/005101/07
Access to sanitary pads is not merely about hygiene. It is a fundamental right that contributes
significantly to the overall empowerment of girls. Lack of access to these necessities can
result in absenteeism from school, reduced self-esteem, and limited participation in daily
activities.

This partnership seeks to break down these barriers, enabling girls to pursue their education
and personal growth without the added burden of inadequate menstrual hygiene
management.

Studies have shown that girls who have access to proper menstrual hygiene products are
more likely to attend school regularly, participate actively in classroom discussions, and
engage in extracurricular activities.

“I am humbled to share this moment with these girls and to be part of a community that values
the empowerment of future leaders,” Ms Sultaanah Razak, Director at Quadrant Systems Pty
Ltd.

“Each of these girls have a unique voice, a voice that can challenge stereotypes, promote
equality, and create a better world. Their education is the foundation, and their dreams are
the fuel that will drive them forward” said Ms Razak.

JDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Siyabonga Genu said this partnership between the
Johannesburg Development Agency and Quadrant Systems is a testament to the potential
impact achieved through private-public collaborations.

"We are honoured to partner with Quadrant Systems in this important endeavour. By providing
these girls with sanitary pads, we are not offering them the tools they need for better hygiene
but also the means to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams," he noted.
ABOUT QUADRANT SYSTEMS

Quadrant Systems is an Information Technology company specialising in IT solutions

development and training. It started its operations in 2009 and been successful in providing
exemplary development solutions and integration tools.

ENDS

Issued by: Kenneth Nxumalo

Johannesburg Development Agency

For more information:

Elias Nkabinde
Email: enkabinde@jda.org.za
076 961 8022
www.jda.org.za