World Toilet Day, celebrated annually on 19 November, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness around the importance of sanitation, and advocating for access to clean and safe toilets maintaining health, dignity, and overall well-being.
“However, in South Africa the upgrade of our toilet infrastructure seems to be stagnating as it has been reported that thousands of schools are still using pit latrines, and according to the recent census 2.1% of 17.8 million households are still using buckets to relieve themselves,” comments Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for hygiene product *Organico.“Having access to clean and safe sanitation is a basic human right preserving dignity, health, and hygiene. It is also a necessity in creating a safe, conducive environment for learning, where academic excellence can be achieved,” explains Ragavan.
Earlier this year, following the drowning of a five-year-old student in a school pit latrine, the Basic Department of Education promised to remove pit latrine toilets in schools in 2025, however, this is an extension to their previous promise of 2023. Ragavan believes that by continuously extending this deadline, children are not able to participate fully in schooling and work activities. Also, there is an increased chance of physical danger for younger children and the possibility of the spread of certain diseases through the pollution of groundwater.
Groundwater is the world’s most abundant source of fresh water, which supports drinking water supplies, sanitation systems, farming, industry, and ecosystems. When this is polluted a domino effect is launched and disease, lack of clean drinking water, and the destruction of ecosystems can be expected. By eradicating pit latrines, it is not only for the protection of people but also the eco-system.
With the increasing sanitation needs of South Africa, it seems fitting that this year’s theme for World Toilet Day is
From what can be seen through various reports and census data collection there may have been a growth in certain sanitation areas, but there are some instances that need an acceleration of change to provide South Africans with basic human rights.
According to the census, South Africa’s household sanitation breakdown includes:
70.8% have access to flushing toilets.
2.6% use a chemical toilet.
9.4% have access to a pit latrine with a VIP (ventilated improved pit toilets).
12.5% accesses a pit latrine without VIP.
2.1% uses a bucket toilet.
1.6% have no access to any toilet.
1% have access to an ecological or composting toilet.
World Toilet Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address global sanitation challenges. By prioritising access to clean and safe toilets, we can make significant strides in improving public health, growing education, protecting the environment, and fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
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