Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, One Pad at a Time
TUF is a registered non-profit organisation whose holistic approach has been breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming communities since 2013.
Spending time with impoverished communities, we witnessed firsthand the pressing need for menstrual education and access to period products. Recognising the urgency of this issue, we set off on a mission to create a sustainable solution to upholding feminine dignity.
In 2018, this mission culminated in the establishment of Komani, our innovative social enterprise. Komani operates with a clear purpose: to produce and distribute reusable pads to underprivileged schoolgirls at no cost. This is made possible through the generous support of sponsors who share our vision.
Each reusable pad tells a story of empowerment and sustainability. Komani not only further drives the eradication of period poverty, but it funds TUF’s incredible initiatives:
Senior Care
A weekly program ensuring 50 seniors receive the necessary care and support to improve their well-being.
After School Education
A program that promotes social, emotional, and academic development within a safe and supportive environment for 80 students.
Open Kitchen
Providing 60 000 meals and food parcels from 7 tons of food waste.
Employment Opportunities
11 unemployed female interns learning clothing manufacturing while the production and distribution of Komani provides employment to 13 staff.
Fund Reusable Pads, Yield Empowered Communities
Komani extends its impact beyond menstrual hygiene. We firmly believe in economic empowerment, and our operations reflect this commitment. Through our manufacturing hub, unemployed women gain the tools and expertise they need to contribute to our social enterprise.
Komani’s Vision
To liberate women from the dignity crisis they face when deprived of adequate menstrual protection.
We aspire to uplift women through education and skills development, enabling them to embrace opportunities that lead to personal growth and self-confidence. Furthermore, we are dedicated to assisting women in achieving financial sustainability, fostering a ripple effect of positive change throughout our communities.
Partner Up, Power Change
Together, we can break the barriers that hold women and girls back, ensuring a brighter future for our communities. Stand with The Umtshayelo Foundation and Komani as we strive to make a lasting impact, one life at a time.
- Partner with us to support a girl or school of your choice through your CSR initiative.
- Support a school from our beneficiaries waitlist.
- Raise sponsorship.
- Volunteer your time.
Thank you for being a part of our mission.
Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl are empowered, confident, and free to pursue her dreams without the burden of menstrual hardship.
The Komani Team
STEPHANIE
Stephanie is the co-founder of Komani, a social enterprise under TUF. Bringing three decades of corporate expertise, both locally and abroad, she seamlessly bridges the corporate world with community upliftment.
Motivated by personal experience — having lost her mother at a young age – Stephanie empathises deeply with girls lacking proper menstrual education. She transformed this adversity into a powerful mission, becoming one of the key figures in Komani’s efforts to bring dignity, access, and education to girls facing period-related challenges.
Together with the team, Komani is revolutionising menstrual health management, turning stories of struggle into narratives of hope and empowerment.
MAE
As a founding member of Komani and head of operations, Mae (pronounced May) has been instrumental in the product’s development journey. With her extensive experience and a deep understanding of the brand, Mae is the ideal leader for procurement and processing in the manufacturing of Komani reusable pads.
RANDALL
Randall plays a pivotal role in our organisation, wearing multiple hats from Human Capital to overseeing financial operations as Treasurer. His support is integral to our success, ensuring that every aspect of our operations adds up seamlessly.