Founder of Team Free Sanitary Pads, Nokuzola Ndwandwe, is calling on government to take the lead and move beyond politics in addressing menstrual health in the country.
She says the issue must be treated as a matter of urgency as it impacts on women’s rights and public health. Her remarks follow a study by the University of the Free State, which found that sanitary pads and pantyliners it tested contained at least two endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including products marketed as free from harmful substances.
A new study by the University of the Free State has found that some sanitary pads and pantyliners sold in South Africa contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, even those that are marketed as free from harmful chemicals. pic.twitter.com/LBf6iv9na8
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 21, 2026
A study by the University of Free State has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested from brands sold in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/XvdZVHHeeB
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 18, 2026
The research warns that these chemicals may interfere with hormones and pose long-term health risks for users.
[LISTEN] New study found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested from brands sold in SA. Team Free Sanitary Pads Founder, Nokuzola Ndwandwe says women face regular exposure of these chemicals
🔗https://t.co/fB4yl9Yv8O#sabcnews #FirstTakeSA pic.twitter.com/NdzSIBAmlQ
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) February 18, 2026
VIDEO | Sanitary Pads | UFS study finds chemicals in pads:
