In a nation celebrated for its resilience and spirit, a harsh reality still exists – sanitation in South African schools is declining.
A study conducted by UNICEF from 2018 to 2021 revealed a decline in the number of basic sanitation services that are available in schools, despite the hundreds of toilets that are built each year.
In an effort to combat this toilet loss, Domestos has stepped forward with a resounding call to action: ‘Take A Seat or Take A Stand’. This World Toilet Day, Domestos urges South Africa to unite in recognising the worth of every toilet.
Mandisa Mbenenge, Domestos Purpose Lead said, “South Africa’s sanitation landscape is in a disheartening state and highlights the need for intervention on both global and local scales. This campaign was built around the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: ‘to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”
“Each toilet serves as a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and must be preserved as the precious resource it is – valuable as gold. We acknowledge the urgency of addressing unsafe sanitation and its impact on children’s well-being and education,” continues Mbenenge.
To give back to Durban’s Umlazi community, Domestos has refurbished toilets in three schools – Khuthala Primary School, Isikhumbuzo Primary School and Isithokoziso Primary School.
Since 2010, Domestos has been leading the charge in the war against unsafe sanitation and poor hygiene. In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, they’ve developed a multi-pronged approach to address sanitation issues and promote hygiene in schools:
The Infrastructure Programme funds the refurbishing of toilets at in-need schools across the country.
The National Schools Hygiene Programme is a behaviour change program that teaches good hygiene and sanitation habits to grade-1 learners in every public primary school.
The Cleaner Toilets Brighter Futures Programme trains and equips school cleaners and teachers to maintain and manage their toilet facilities.
Mandisa Mbenenge shares: “In 2023 alone, through these school hygiene programs, we’ve impacted over 16,800 schools and reached over 1,000,000 learners. Also, thanks to the ‘Cleaner Toilets Brighter Future’ initiative, 201 schools have been trained, reaching 161,663 learners.”
As we approach World Toilet Day, Domestos calls upon individuals and communities to support safer school sanitation for South Africa’s children.
To get involved and play your part, you can visit the Domestos website, commit to the Domestos Toilet Pledge here, and advocate through your social media platforms using the hashtags #TakeASeatorTakeAStand #IChooseDomestos #Unstoppabletogether. Through the small act of choosing Domestos, everyone can help support safer school sanitation.
