FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint Statement issued by:
IkamvaYouth
Mudita Brands
BLUME Communities
Tripartite Partnership Forged to Combat Period Poverty, Championing Women’s Rights
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – August 27, 2025 – In a bold tripartite collaboration aimed at creating lasting value and systemic change, IkamvaYouth, Mudita Brands, and BLUME Communities have joined forces to combat period poverty and champion women’s rights. Anchored in the Becoming Me: Free to Dream initiative, this partnership represents a direct investment in the academic success and economic future of marginalised young women and girls. The launch coincides with 2025 National Women’s Month, celebrated under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All.”
A Crisis of Dignity and Education
For too long, a silent crisis has undermined a generation of young women and girls. A study in the South African Journal of Child Health found that up to 7 million girls miss a significant portion of their given school year each month simply because they lack access to sanitary products or the understanding to navigate this natural part of life without shame. This absenteeism leads to poorer academic outcomes and increases drop-out rates. A separate study in Gauteng province showed that girls without sanitary products were more than twice as likely to miss school (46.27%) compared to those who had them (22.49%). Research from a University of Johannesburg study highlights that the problem is compounded by inadequate sanitation facilities, a lack of clean water, and the stigma surrounding menstruation, which are significant contributing factors, often forcing girls to be absent from school during menstruation or revert to the use of unhygienic alternatives.
“The joint initiative provides a tangible solution that directly contributes to a reduction in absenteeism and improved academic performance,” said IkamvaYouth Spokesperson Shane Everts. “By removing this barrier, we ensure a pathway to improved pass rates, leading to improved access to tertiary education and employment. This is an investment in the long-term resilience of our economy”.
The partnership tackles the complex realities faced by youth, especially young women and girls, including gender-based violence, social barriers, economic challenges, and the silent crisis of period poverty.
A World-Class, Holistic Model
“This tripartite collaboration is a testament to the power of synergy, with partners who have come together to co-create and co-invest in systemic change,” says Everts, “The programmatic interventions of the IkamvaYouth Psychosocial Support Programme align perfectly with the vision and purpose of Mudita and BLUME Becoming Me: Free to Dream” initiative”, Everts concluded.
South Africa’s education system operates within a complex socio-economic landscape, where systemic inequities and resource constraints disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Quintile 1-3 high schools, which serve the poorest communities with no tuition fees, confront daily challenges in environments dominated by poverty, crime, violence, and gangsterism, managing high incidences of learner trauma and mental health issues without access to psychosocial support resources. The absence of adequate counselling services, coupled with severe resource limitations, places an unsustainable burden on educators, who are not equipped to address complex learner needs, such as trauma stemming from violent surroundings or mental health challenges exacerbated by socioeconomic stressors. Despite repeated government calls for interventions to provide psychosocial support and alleviate these burdens, schools remain critically under-resourced, exacerbating the strain on teachers and hindering learner retention and academic success.
The intervention is delivered through IkamvaYouth’s community-based psychosocial support program. With a 21-year track record of accelerating academic outcomes, IkamvaYouth provides the core psychosocial, academic, and career support.
The program’s objectives are to:
- Reduce Learner Dropout Rates: Aim to reduce the dropout rate among learners by providing psychosocial support to enhance learner retention
- Achieve Referral Uptake: Ensure that a vast majority of learners and their families access psychosocial services, including mental health counselling and support, with a significant focus on female beneficiaries to address Period Poverty and GBV.
- Sustain Retention in Care: Maintaining a high retention rate for learners and families engaged in ongoing psychosocial support, preventing disengagement and supporting educational continuity.
- Facilitate Transition to Academic Tutoring: The program aims to transition a majority of learners to IkamvaYouth’s core academic tutoring program, thereby enhancing academic performance and mitigating youth unemployment.
With the support of Mudita Brands and BLUME Communities, the program infuses mentoring and coaching, meditation, mindfulness, and self-healing, empowering girls to connect with their inner potential and cultivate emotional balance and resilience.
Product Innovation
In addition, the collaboration will supply high-quality, reusable sanitary pads that are proudly produced locally in South Africa by South Africans, supporting local industry while providing dignity to young women and girls.
Developed through multiple prototypes and rigorous testing, these pads are crafted from organic, environmentally friendly fabrics. Their flat, comfortable design ensures effective absorption for both light and heavy flow, with overnight protection lasting up to 10 hours. Easy to wash and built for durability, they offer a sleek alternative to traditional bulky designs. The result is a product that feels premium, performs reliably, and is poised to rival existing reusable options currently in circulation.
“The initiative is built on the belief that every girl possesses the inner strength to rise. The result is a fusion of proven approaches, creating a holistic model that is both innovative and deeply relevant in today’s South Africa,” says Nani Ferreira, who leads the BLUME Communities Global Impact Team in South Africa and also serves as Social Impact Project Co-ordinator at Mudita Brands.
“This initiative tackles these challenges head-on, shifting narratives and helping girls reimagine what is possible by fostering safe spaces for self-discovery and growth. The program equips young women and girls with the tools to thrive with dignity and stay in school”, concluded Ferreira.
The partnership’s vision is bold: to scale nationally, reaching every girl across South Africa. By combining Mudita and BLUME’s shared purpose with IkamvaYouth’s established framework and on-the-ground expertise, the program offers a sustainable, scalable model for empowerment and education.
This expansion represents more than mentorship; it’s a direct investment in a generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. By providing access to guidance, dignity, and quality education, the joint initiative offers a compelling solution for investors and development partners seeking measurable, lasting impact on the lives of young women and their communities.
-ENDS-
By: Ezekiel Monare, Community Collaborations Programmes Manager
At IkamvaYouth, we have witnessed firsthand how education serves as a catalyst for sustainable livelihoods, especially for young people. Through our commitment to providing access to opportunities and creating safe spaces for growth, we continue to contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future.
As IkamvaYouth’s Community Collaboration Department, we partner with various organisations across the country to support and enhance successful tutoring programmes. Through these partnerships, we exchange knowledge and insights to ensure the delivery of high-quality educational programmes to the communities we serve. We recognize the profound impact of collective efforts in creating an ecosystem of opportunity for young people.
Each year, we celebrate a significant milestone in the journey of our matric cohorts and after years of hard work, these young learners take the next step toward adulthood. This year, we are proud to announce that 423 matric learners from 19 partner organizations achieved an impressive 90% pass rate! Their success is a testament to their dedication and the collective support of teachers, tutors, parents, and the broader community.
Our after-school programmes go beyond helping learners pass exams. They open doors to new opportunities and futures filled with possibilities. For those who may not have achieved the results they hoped for, we provide a safe space for support and access to skills development opportunities.
We’d like to give special recognition to one of our partners, Glow Movement, for their exceptional work with Willow Crescent, a school based in Eldorado Park. Their 2024 matric cohort achieved an incredible 95% pass rate – the highest in Eldorado Park this year. This success exemplifies the power of collective action. As the Executive Director of Glow Movement remarked:
“This year’s results reflect not only academic excellence but also the growth of character and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of each learner’s unique journey and the support they received from our school community, as they embark on their next chapter.”
As the Community Collaboration Department at IkamvaYouth, we are honored to collaborate with organisations across diverse communities, providing unwavering support and celebrating these milestones.
By: Lungile Simakade, District Manager, Western Cape
IkamvaYouth is thrilled to honor the exceptional achievements of our learners in the Western Cape for the Matric Class of 2024! This year’s results not only reflect the hard work and determination of our learners but also underscore the significant role played by our dedicated tutors and staff who have guided them throughout their academic journey.
The unwavering commitment of our volunteer tutors has been crucial in fostering an environment of support and encouragement at branches. We are also immensely grateful for the invaluable contributions of our partners, funders, parents, and all our stakeholders, whose support has been instrumental in empowering our learners to reach their goals. Together, we have created a community that nurtures talent, resilience, and a strong work ethic, leading to these remarkable results.
We are very thrilled to report a 3% increase in our National pass rate from 90% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. There is also a 6% increase in the Bachelor Passes for the Western Cape (from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024) and Western Cape region achieved a sterling 93% pass rate for the class of 2024. This improvement is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved, and we are grateful for the strides made in supporting our learners to achieve even more!
Our learners have consistently demonstrated progress and resilience, achieving remarkable improvements in their academic outcomes over the years. This sustained growth highlights the effectiveness of IkamvaYouth’s tutoring model, the dedication of our tutors, and the commitment of our learners to achieving their dreams.
In 2022, the Western Cape branches achieved an average pass rate of 79%, with 68% of learners eligible for tertiary education. These results set a high standard for excellence, with the Kuyasa branch leading the way by achieving an outstanding 95% pass rate. The Atlantis branch also delivered exceptional performance, with 87% of learners passing their Matric exams in that year.
Fast forward to 2024, we are very thrilled to report a 4% increase in our National pass rate from 89% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. There is also a 6% increase in the Bachelor Passes for the Western Cape (from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024) and the region achieved a sterling 93% pass rate for the class of 2024. This improvement is a testament to the collective effort of everyone from our team and stakeholders, and we are grateful for the strides made in supporting our learners to achieve even more. 
The success of our learners is a collective achievement that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our broader IkamvaYouth community. At the heart of this success lies the dedication and generosity of our tutors, partners, funders, and parents. Their contributions have played an instrumental role in transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities.
Our partners and funders have been the cornerstone of our ability to sustain and expand our impact. Through investing in IkamvaYouth, they have enabled us to provide high-quality educational support to learners in under-resourced communities. Their contributions empower us to deliver effective programs that address the unique challenges faced by these learners, paving the way for academic success and brighter futures. Without their steadfast commitment, many of our achievements would not have been possible.
Equally important are the contributions of parents and guardians, whose belief in IkamvaYouth and unwavering support for their children inspire them to reach for greatness. The encouragement and trust of parents create an environment of motivation and resilience to us, and give learners the confidence to persevere and excel. This partnership between families and IkamvaYouth is a critical factor in the ongoing success of our programmes.
Our sponsors have also played a vital role in creating opportunities for our learners. Through their generosity, we are able to provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure no learner is left behind. From funding educational materials and securing venues to supporting special programs, our sponsors ensure that learners have everything they need to succeed. Their contributions go beyond financial support—they are investments in the potential and dreams of each learner.
We are profoundly grateful to every individual and organization that continues to invest in IkamvaYouth’s vision of empowering young people to create sustainable livelihoods. Together, we celebrate not only the achievements of today but also the promise of a brighter, more empowered future. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey and for believing in the power of education to transform lives.
By: Ntombi Mahlangu, District Manager, Gauteng and The North West
For the past 21 years, IkamvaYouth has steadily improved its National Senior Certificate pass rate, growing from 80% to over 92.3%. The 2024 matric class has maintained this upward momentum and taken it to new heights.
Our learners are expressing heartfelt gratitude and joy as they celebrate their matric results. See their words below:
Neo, the top performing learner in 2024 from Ikageng branch, says that: “I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to IkamvaYouth for their invaluable support and contribution to my academic success. Developing discipline and dedication wasn’t easy, but with their guidance, I persevered and achieved my goals. Notably, I struggled with Business Studies, but thanks to the tireless efforts of the tutors and staff, I ultimately earned a distinction in the subject. Their unwavering support has made my dream of attending university a reality, and for that, I am truly thankful.”
Palesa Ditshego, 2024 top performing Matriculant from Mamelodi branch says: When I first joined IkamvaYouth in Grade 9, I was welcomed with love and support. Since then, I have witnessed the incredible impact it has had on my academics. As a 2024 matriculant, the unwavering support and dedication from tutors have been instrumental in my success in passing matric. Now, as I spread my wings and take flight, I know that the foundation built at IkamvaYouth will remain with me forever, guiding me toward greatness. The future is truly in our hands.”
IkamvaYouth’s national matric pass rate in 2023 was 89.4%, the highest in its history, but 2024 has surpassed that milestone with a record-breaking achievement.
Ntombi Mahlangu, Gauteng & North West District Manager emphasized that while the matric pass rate is a critical indicator, it reflects broader programmatic success:”Our afterschool support programs—life skills, career guidance, mentorship, leadership, and academic support—are instrumental in shaping our learners’ success. This balanced approach, combined with the efforts of our donors, staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and parents, ensures our learners receive the support they need to thrive”.
See the branch performance for 2024:
- Diepsloot: 98% (65 distinctions)
- Ivory Park: 94% (32 distinctions)
- Mahikeng: 93% (16 distinctions)
- Mamelodi: 93% (15 distinctions)
- Ikageng: 93% (5 distinctions)
- Ebony Park: 90% (20 distinctions)
The region achieved 80% Bachelor’s and Diploma passes, an 8% increase from 2023’s 72%. Learners in the Gauteng and North West branches earned a total of 153 distinctions, showcasing academic excellence across the school subjects as Mathematics, Science, Geography among others.
We as IkamvaYouth remain committed to placing all 2024 matric learners in post-matric institutions. This includes tertiary education, learnerships, employment, skills training, fellowships, and supplementary or upgrading programs. Each learner applied to a minimum of three placement opportunities in 2023, ensuring a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Michael, Branch Coordinator at our Ebony Park, expressed his gratitude, saying, “A special thank you goes to our teachers for keeping us informed about learner participation in the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP) sessions so we can supplement accordingly their needs following the school curriculum. We also deeply appreciate our tutors, who gave their time during the March Holiday Programme, Winter School, Spring Academic, Bootcamps, and January Summer Holiday Programs, as well as in-person and virtual sessions, to provide consistent academic support to learners.”
Looking ahead as IkamvaYouth continues to produce successful matric cohorts, we are proud to welcome back our alumni as key stakeholders. Their commitment to the value of “paying it forward” ensures the sustainability of the work we do.
“These matric achievements prove that with hard work and perseverance, excellence is within reach. To the class of 2024, today we celebrate not just marks on paper, but the strong foundation you’ve built for tomorrow’s success.”
– Lebogang Ramakatsa, Tutor in Mahikeng Branch
Congratulations to the matric class of 2024, and we wish them the best as they embark on the next chapter of their journey!
By: Thandazo Jafta, District Manager, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
The release of the 2024 matric results brought immense joy and pride, showcasing the remarkable achievements of each IkamvaYouth branch. These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment of learners, volunteers, and staff involved in the IkamvaYouth journey. The collective celebration of these successes highlights the power of collaboration and resilience.
The KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape region’s Class of 2024 achieved an impressive overall pass rate of 91%, with an exceptional 86% of learners qualifying for tertiary education. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of the IkamvaYouth model and demonstrate what can be accomplished through determination and focused effort.
Our Chesterville branch delivered exceptional results, boasting a 97% pass rate, with an impressive 97% of learners qualifying for tertiary education. Even more remarkable, 87% of learners achieved Bachelor passes, showcasing the branch’s unwavering commitment to addressing academic needs and promoting excellence.
These results mark a significant milestone, with an 18% increase in Bachelor passes compared to the previous year, reflecting the branch’s dedication to continuous improvement. Among the standout achievements, Bongani, the branch’s top learner, earned an astounding six distinctions. Here’s what he had to say about his journey:
“I am excited to have passed my matric in 2024, even though I knew I was going to pass, I was anxious about my results. My plan now is to pursue a degree in computer science at Wits University. I’m interested in coding. I believe that with my interest in Maths, I’ll be able to cope with the work that is required. I joined IkamvaYouth in 2020 and the branch and tutors have contributed significantly to my achievements. What was most helpful about IkamvaYouth is the consistency of the support given by the staff and tutors and the 24-hour availability of tutors on the WhatsApp group.”
Our Umlazi branch celebrated a historic milestone in 2024, achieving its highest pass rate to date at 90%—a remarkable 9% improvement from the previous year. Of these learners, 68% qualified for tertiary education, including 45% achieving Bachelor passes and 23% earning Diploma passes.
This incredible accomplishment speaks to the power of perseverance and community support in overcoming environmental challenges to create brighter futures. The Umlazi branch continues to serve as a beacon of hope for countless young people within the community. Reflecting on this success, the Branch Assistant shared their thoughts on the 2024 results:
“To the Matric Class of 2024, a massive congratulations on the historic 90% pass rate! Your tireless efforts, unwavering perseverance, and unrelenting passion have paid off in the most spectacular way! This achievement is more than just a milestone – it’s a launching pad for your future. It opens doors to new opportunities, further study, and a world of possibilities. Embrace this moment, celebrate your success, and know that you have the power to create the life you desire!”
In the Eastern Cape, our Joza branch demonstrated excellence once again, achieving an impressive 88% pass rate, with 85% of learners qualifying for tertiary education. This success reflects the branch’s dedication to academic achievement and empowering learners, even within a community facing significant challenges that impact young people. The learners achieved a total of 40 distinctions.
“The 2024 matric results bear testament to the collaborative efforts of IkamvaYouth staff and tutors, a lot happens behind the scenes which only gets to be seen through our results. It was good to see the improvement from diploma passes to more bachelor passes which will help them get access to tertiary education. Congratulations to the class of 2024, they sure have done well against all odds” – Nixon Davies (Mathematics & Physics Tutor)
The exceptional achievements of the KZN and EC region’s Class of 2024 stand as a testament to the transformative power of education. These results inspire hope for the future, proving that with unwavering effort and support, young people can overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.
Lloyd Lungu