Findings show that over 90% of school toilets are either unsafe or unusable, primarily due to poor hygiene and the absence of basic supplies. In response, the Department of Basic Education, together with Baby Soft® and Domestos, has introduced the UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER campaign to improve sanitation standards in schools throughout the province.

The issue, now referred to as “toilet loss,” is not solely due to ageing infrastructure but also a lack of ongoing maintenance. Patrick Bukasa, Marketing Manager at Baby Soft®, explained the concept:

“Toilet loss occurs when proper cleaning and upkeep are neglected. Whether toilets are newly constructed or old, without regular maintenance they quickly deteriorate, becoming dirty, damaged and unusable. This results in wasted resources and shortens the lifespan of facilities.”

The audit’s results are deeply concerning. Bukasa highlighted that very few schools comply with even basic sanitation requirements, which endangers the health and dignity of learners.

“Our findings show only 6.5% of toilet cubicles in Gauteng schools met all sanitation criteria to be considered fully functional. Around 27% had visible faeces and urine, 22% emitted offensive odours, and a majority lacked essential supplies, only 15% had toilet paper, and 50% had no soap, posing serious health risks to children.”

Through the UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER campaign, 300 schools will benefit from focused support that includes training for cleaners and school management on sanitation best practices, alongside the provision of cleaning kits. These kits contain gloves, brooms, mops, dustbins, personal protective equipment, toilet paper and bleach.

“The campaign’s goal extends beyond immediate relief. We want to raise the profile of sanitation in schools nationally, encouraging proper planning, staffing and budgeting,” Bukasa said. “Currently, many schools lack dedicated cleaners or sufficient funds for maintenance, and this must change.”

The campaign’s launch in Gauteng coincides with Mandela Day, reinforcing the commitment to community service and social upliftment.

“Mandela Day is about giving back, and this initiative embodies that spirit. Baby Soft®, as a SA brand, recognises its responsibility to support the communities that have supported it. We also want to honour school cleaners by recognising their vital role and restoring their dignity,” Bukasa added.

--ChannelAfrica--