The government has set aside $200 million towards the provision of free sanitary wear for primary and secondary school girls starting January 2020.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed this while presenting his 2020 National Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday. He said:
This budget responds comprehensively to the plight of the girl-child in enhancing their dignity. In anticipation of the finalisation of the Education Act, the budget is required to have a provision for the supply of sanitary wear for female learners.
Based on equity consideration, the proposal is, to begin with, rural primary and secondary learners from Grade 4 to Upper Sixth form and a provision of $200 million has been made under this budget.
Ncube also proposed to extend the exemption from duty imports of sanitary wear by a further 12 months, with effect from January 1, 2020.
The import duty waiver also covers sanitary cups and pants, Ncube revealed.