The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched an investigation into nine sanitary pad and panty liner suppliers following new research that found traces of hormone-disrupting chemicals in commonly used menstrual products sold in South Africa.

The probe follows a study conducted by the University of the Free State titled The presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in sanitary pads: A study done in South Africa, which examined the safety of widely available menstrual hygiene products.

What the study found

The research, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, tested 16 sanitary pad brands and seven panty liner products for endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates, bisphenols and parabens.

Researchers found that all products tested contained at least two of the targeted chemicals. Bisphenols were detected in every sanitary pad analysed, while phthalates were more common in panty liners and parabens were present in most products.

Chemical detection rates ranged between 50% and 100% across the products tested. Scientists estimated daily exposure through skin contact could range between two and 20 nanograms per kilogram of body weight under normal conditions.

Although exposure levels were described as relatively low, researchers warned that repeated use over many years could lead to cumulative exposure.

NCC launches investigation

Based on the findings, the NCC has initiated an investigation into suppliers whose products were reportedly included in the study.

These include:

• Kimberly-Clark South Africa (Kotex)
• Procter & Gamble South Africa (Always)
• Anna Organics
• The Lion Match Company (Comfitex)
• Johnson & Johnson South Africa (Stayfree)
• Premier Group (Lil-lets)
• Essity Hygiene and Health AB (Libresse South Africa)
• My Time

The regulator said the investigation will assess compliance with sections 55 and 24 of the Consumer Protection Act, which guarantee consumers the right to safe, good-quality products suitable for their intended use.

Suppliers will be required to conduct further testing or submit recent laboratory results assessing the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The NCC will then determine whether additional regulatory steps, including possible product recalls, are necessary.

Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said the findings raise serious concerns affecting millions of women and girls and have been prioritised for investigation. Suppliers will be given an opportunity to respond before any final determination is made.

What consumers should know

Health experts stress that the study does not signal an immediate health emergency. Instead, it highlights the need for awareness and further scientific investigation into long-term exposure risks.

Researchers say consumers concerned about chemical exposure may consider alternatives such as organic cotton products, menstrual cups or reusable options, while regulators and manufacturers work toward clearer ingredient disclosure and improved safety testing.

The NCC said it will also engage with other regulatory authorities and stakeholders as the investigation progresses.

*Note: This article was updated to remove reference to “Here We Flo” (HWF) products. Here We Flo ceased supplying the South African market in 2021 following the termination of its distributor arrangements, and any residual stock was destroyed. The UFS study also did not identify or test any HWF products. 

Power has been fully restored, and flight operations are gradually returning to normal at Cape Town International Airport following a fire that caused significant disruptions earlier on Tuesday.

Airport management confirmed the fire broke out at approximately 11:15 in the Northern Service Yard along the international inner lane on the landside of the airport. Emergency teams responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze shortly afterwards, with all passengers, staff and visitors evacuated safely and calmly as a precaution.

Sections of the International Terminal affected by smoke were temporarily cleared while emergency protocols were implemented. No injuries were reported.

The incident affected the network and IT infrastructure, airport Wi-Fi and other essential services. Offices and the VIP lounge were also reportedly impacted.

As a safety measure earlier in the day, international departures were temporarily suspended and some incoming international flights were diverted while technical teams assessed the situation. Flights that had already landed continued to be processed.

According to airport officials, operations are now resuming in phases as systems stabilise:

• International departures have resumed, although passengers should expect delays and schedule adjustments following the earlier suspension.
• International arrivals may still experience knock-on effects after several flights were diverted during the disruption.
• Domestic flights experienced minor delays linked to system outages, with some disruptions expected to continue while operations fully normalise.

Airport authorities urged travellers to confirm flight details before heading to the terminal to avoid congestion.

Passengers are advised to check real-time updates via the Airports Company South Africa mobile application or contact airlines directly for the latest information.

Airports Company South Africa thanked passengers, airline partners and stakeholders for their patience during the incident and commended emergency response teams for their rapid and professional action.

Officials reiterated that passenger safety remains the airport’s highest priority and said further updates will be issued as the airport works toward restoring a full operational schedule.

*This article has been updated to reflect the latest information from the airport, as of 6 PM on 24 February

The Presidency has confirmed that a second group of South African men, reportedly recruited to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine, arrived in Moscow last night and are expected to return home soon.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says four men have already returned to South Africa, while two remain in Russia.

“One is in a Moscow hospital, and the other is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements.”

He added that the South African embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the man in hospital until he is fit to travel.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since acknowledged Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role in ensuring the men returned home safely.

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home. President Putin pledged his support during a phone call with President Ramaphosa on 10 February 2026.”

 

Investigations into how these young men were recruited for mercenary activities remain ongoing.

A Camp’s Bay murder, apparently perpetrated at the end of last year, remains unsolved. Meanwhile, Cape Town Police have asked the public to help them find two persons of interest, who were spotted leaving the victim’s home on the 28th of December 2025 at around 15:45 pm.

Camp’s Bay murder remains unsolved

Captain Frederick Van Wyk says officers had found the body of 86-year-old Gerhard Ernst Kopatz in a separate apartment at his house in Francolin Street, Camp’s Bay, at around 12:00 on 30 December 2025. He says the victim was assaulted and had been tied up. At this stage, his preliminary cause of death is strangulation.

Persons of interest sought by Detectives in connection with Camp’s Bay murder

Detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have called on the public to assist them in tracing the persons who are depicted in the photos, in this article. They are persons of interest, with possible links to the Camp’s Bay murder.

Serious and violent crimes investigating

Van Wyk says 2 cellular telephones, the victim’s laptop as well as his bank cards are missing from his house and are presumed stolen. He says the deceased were last seen alive by neighbours on 28 December 2025, at approximately 15:45 pm. Less than 15 minutes later, surveillance footage from the street had captured two males leaving the deceased’s house. The identities of the two men are not known at this stage. It’s believed that they can assist in the investigation.

The Police have asked anyone with information who can assist with the probe to contact the investigating officer Detective Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Pretorius on 082 777 8499. You can also alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.