Liezl Smith: The Influence behind the Donate a Pad Program

Mrs. Liezl Smith is a community activist encouraging the supplies of toiletries for schoolchildren particularly young schoolgirls. 

With 11 years of experience as a radio presenter under her belt, Liezl Smith is the founder of the donate a pad organization, started to help schoolgirls in need of toiletries.

The idea came to mind as she was visiting a local primary school in her community where she overheard an interaction between the secretary and a schoolgirl.

Mrs. Smith with Dr. Ntokoza Mafokane, principal at Laudium Heights Primary School in Pretoria.

“While I was standing in the office, a schoolgirl came to the secretary’s desk and asked her if there were not any pads available. The secretary went to look in the storeroom but came back out and told the girl that there were not any supplies left. The schoolgirl rushed to the bathroom and that’s when I decided that I am going to donate pads at schools on a monthly basis.”

Expanding on the founder Mrs. Smith reaped up awards for her Afrikaans talk show “Vermaak met Liezl” and was a finalist in the category of “Woman in Media and Woman of Stature Foundation”. 

She is currently also a founder, director, and presenter of her own online audio Afrikaans pod sending named “Kuier met Liezl” which focuses on social issues, established in 2023.

Together with her husband, David they have helped at least 2 local schools with pads used for sanitation.

Success doesn’t come without challenges, she indicated that donations are not consistent and often not a lot, but she uses her contacts to help those in need.

“I am going to reach out to small business owners to collect donations of R500 to R 1,000, in order for us to supply more schools with resources.”

She also added “This is a social problem, and it affects everyone, it doesn’t matter who you are. That is why I said I am going to help where I can.”

Mrs. Smith says that she plans to expand and reach out to people in other provinces in need of toiletry supplies and also says that the aim is to reach 10,000 schoolgirls.

The Donate A Pad foundation is certainly on the rise for the right reasons. With Mrs. Liezl Smith’s enthusiasm, relentless work, and unity of the community this foundation can become one of the most majestic organizations across the country.