'A beautiful victory' - Free sanitary pads advocates react to VAT scrapping

The fight for access to free sanitary pads has been an ongoing one for many social activist groups and women in South Africa. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's announcement to scrap VAT on sanitary pads has been viewed by many activists and social media users as a step in the right direction.

During the medium-term budget speech on Wednesday, Mboweni announced  the removal of VAT from non-luxury items which include sanitary pads, white bread flour and cake flour.

The promise to provide free sanitary towels was first mentioned by former President Jacob Zuma during the SONA in 2011.

#FreeToBleed campaign activist Sheilan Clarke said their main goal was to ensure sanitary pads were made free to the public, but when they made a submission to parliament in 2016, they presented options which included a recommendation to scrap VAT.  

"I'd say scrapping VAT is progress, but its only the beginning," said Clarke.

Mboweni also announced the rolling out of free sanitary pads to low fee schools in all provinces.

Social activism group Amandla Mobi, which has been vocal in championing for free sanitary pads in poor schools, said in a statement that government must be held to account.

"While Amandla Mobi appreciates Minister Mboweni's commitment, our members across the country will be monitoring low fee schools to see that government lives up to its commitment''

Twitter weighed in on the decision and called it a "beautiful victory" for women and girls.