As the globe commemorated World Toilet Day on November 19, this pivotal moment for advocacy and action casts a light on the persistent challenge of inadequate sanitation in South African schools – one that hampers public health, compromises human dignity, and stalls sustainable development.
In a country renowned for its vibrant spirit and resilience, many children still face the indignity of ill-maintained and non-functional school toilets. With this year’s World Toilet Day global theme, ‘Accelerating Change’, the maintenance of existing facilities has become a crucial but often neglected aspect of the sanitation ecosystem. Without it, the cycle of toilet loss renders the construction of new facilities futile.
“While building new toilets is a step forward, the stride becomes incomplete without a sustainable plan for maintenance. This World Toilet Day, we’re focusing on the entire lifespan of these essential facilities because their upkeep is as vital as their construction. This necessitates intervention on both a global and local scale as the sanctity of a safe, clean toilet is not a luxury but a fundamental right,” said Mandisa Mbenenge, Domestos Purpose Lead.
In the face of this challenge, Domestos reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and education of South Africa’s youth through the upkeep of sanitary infrastructure. Through its Infrastructure Programme – which funds the refurbishing of toilets at in-need schools across the country – Domestos commemorated World Toilet Day by significantly revamping sanitary facilities at three schools in Umlazi, Durban: Khuthala Primary School, IsiKhumbuzo Primary School, and Isithokoziso Primary School.
The refurbished facilities will benefit thousands of pupils at all three schools, providing them with a safe, hygienic environment that is conducive to learning and growth.
These efforts culminated in a ceremonial handover at Khuthala Primary School on November 17, attended by partners from the Department of Basic Education (DBE), members of the media, local influencers, and other stakeholders, with additional events held at the other two schools as part of Unilever’s internal ‘Germ Busters Club’ programme.
Since 2010, Domestos has championed the cause of enhanced sanitation and hygiene in South African schools. Collaborating closely with the Department of Basic Education, the brand has spearheaded a comprehensive strategy to elevate hygiene standards.
For example, its ‘Infrastructure Programme’ leads the refurbishment efforts for school toilets in need, while the ‘National Schools Hygiene Programme’ instils essential hygiene practices in Grade 1 learners across public schools. Complementing these, the ‘Cleaner Toilets Brighter Futures Programme’ empowers school cleaners and teachers with the skills needed for effective sanitation management.
In 2023 alone, these initiatives have made a significant impact, reaching over a million learners in more than 17,000 schools and training teachers and cleaners in 201 schools to create a sustainable change and aid a healthy learning environment.
“All toilets are precious and should be treated like gold to ensure our children’s health and dignity. We call upon communities, leaders, and every citizen to take action in preserving these vital facilities,” said Mbenenge.
In recent years, the South African government has also redoubled its efforts to eradicate the immense infrastructure backlog in the education sector.
According to Albert Gumbo, the infrastructure spokesman for the Department of Basic Education, the department has delivered sanitation to 1,086 schools through the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI), while the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) initiative has delivered 2,950 projects out of a targeted 3,380 to date.
“We are grateful to the private sector for their participation and pledge to provide sanitation at 180 schools. Thus far, 126 pledges have been met with the balance at various stages of implementation,” Gumbo said.
Gumbo expressed his thanks to Unilever and Domestos for “not only funding the projects, but also going above and beyond” in providing critical hygiene training for learners and teachers.
Domestos has called on individuals and communities to ‘Take a Seat or Take a Stand’ – a choice between passive observance or active participation in creating sustainable change. To get involved, commit to the Domestos Toilet Pledge, by sharing it on your own social media platforms using the hashtags #TakeAStand #Unstoppabletogether.
