TV hunk the face of sanitary towels
Actor wants to give back to society
Joe Kazadi is the face of menstruation pads.
The star of The Queen drama on Mzansi Magic, who plays the role of the controversial Thabiso, announced the partnership yesterday. Kazadi said he was approached by Johannesburgbased Palesa Pads to spearhead its business of reusable pads, thanks to The Queen storyline and the parallels between his character and the dire situation girls and women find themselves in.
“I play the role of a man who rapes his girlfriend and doesn’t see it as a problem. I see the character educating men that when a woman says no, she means no. I stand against rape,” he said, separating himself from Thabiso. Kazadi, who is also a chef, said he did find it weird when he was offered the pads ambassadorship. “... it’s the reason why they started the brand that touched me. He explained that girls in rural areas miss school for a week when they are menstruating and have no access to sanitary pads. “I identify with that because I also come from nothing, I was homeless at some point and partnering up with Palesa Pads is an opportunity to give back,” said Kazadi.
He said the founder sought to create comfortable reusable pads that women can use for three to four years. Kazadi will be involved in the distribution of the pads to disadvantaged primary and high school pupils with the support of sponsors. Meanwhile, his storyline on The Queen is approaching a crescendo after Thabiso was arrested on Tuesday.
“I had fun, it’s what I love doing. I’m a chef by profession but acting is my passion. “I grew up in the Congo, I am from the Baluba tribe in the province of Kasai Oriental, and in such places women get raped and get no joy from the police when they report cases,” said Kazadi. “With The Queen playing on the continent, I hope men will learn from it. The situation is so bad that some women commit suicide after being raped.” Shérie de Wet, founder and CEO of Palesa Pads, welcomed Kazadi’s involvement. “The directors of Palesa Pads are really excited about partnering with Kazadi to raise awareness about the struggles that girls experience due to a lack of sanitary pads. We are sure the girls will be overjoyed to see Joe at their schools too.”