The study, conducted by the University of the Free State and titled: “The Presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Sanitary Pads.”

A Study done in South Africa, found that certain sanitary products may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including parabens, phthalates and bisphenols.

According to Jacaranda FM these substances have been linked in scientific literature to health risks such as hormonal imbalances, infertility, endometriosis and certain cancers.

With millions of South African women and girls relying on sanitary products each month, the NCC described the findings as serious enough to warrant urgent regulatory scrutiny.

Suppliers under investigation, the investigation targets the following companies whose products were reportedly included in the study, Kimberly-Clark of SA (Pty) Ltd (Kotex), Procter & Gamble (Pty) Ltd (Always), Anna Organi, The Lion Match Company (Pty) Ltd trading as Comfitex

Here We Flo trading as Flo, Johnson & Johnson (Pty) Ltd trading as Stay Free

Premier Group of Companies trading as Lil-lets, Essity Hygiene and Health AB trading as Libresse South Africa.

The NCC will assess whether these suppliers are compliant with Sections 55 and 24 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

These provisions guarantee consumers the right to goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purpose, of good quality, in good working order and free from defects.

The NCC will look into the possible product testing and recalls.

As part of its probe, the Commission will require the companies to conduct further testing on the affected products or submit recent laboratory results that specifically test for endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

The findings will be reviewed to determine whether a product recall under Section 60 of the CPA may be necessary.

Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said the matter has been prioritised due to its potential public health implications.

“The findings of the study raise serious concerns affecting women and girls that warrant an investigation, making this a priority investigation,” Ratshisusu said. “The affected suppliers will be afforded an opportunity to respond to the concerns as part of the investigation before the NCC makes a determination on the matter,” said Ratshisusu.

Ratshisusu said the Commission confirmed that it will also engage with other regulatory authorities and stakeholders throughout the investigation to ensure a comprehensive review of the safety concerns.

“The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for consumer safety standards and product oversight within South Africa’s personal care sector,” said Ratshisusu.

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The case involved Ms. Baloyi, who purchased a vehicle from CHM Group in Midrand through financing from Absa. According to the credit agreement, she was supposed to pay monthly instalments of R6,827 until August 2029. However, she never made a single payment on the loan.

When Absa took legal action to recover the vehicle and cancel the contract, Baloyi argued that she shouldn’t have to pay because the car was defective and the dealership had misled her. She claimed protection under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), saying the vehicle had serious faults that forced her to return it.

But the court found that the CPA does not cover credit agreements governed by the National Credit Act. It ruled that Baloyi’s issues were with the dealership, not Absa. The bank had only financed the purchase—it was not responsible for the car’s condition.

At the time of the court case, Baloyi owed R127,195 in arrears, with a total outstanding balance of nearly R600,000. She insisted that Absa should have recovered the money from the dealership, but the court rejected this argument, saying her legal claim should be directed at the seller.

In the end, the judge sided with Absa, confirming the bank’s right to enforce the credit agreement and ruling that Baloyi must continue her payments despite returning the car.

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are calling for the removal of expiry dates on prepaid mobile data and airtime, arguing that consumers should not lose access to services they’ve paid for.

The party frames the issue as a matter of consumer rights, particularly affecting low-income users who often lose unused data due to short validity periods.

Telecom providers like MTN and Vodacom oppose the move, citing the need to manage network resources and maintain pricing models. While ICASA has explored regulating data expiry before, strong industry pushback stalled reforms.

The EFF’s campaign is gaining traction online, with growing public support pressuring regulators to revisit the debate.

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