On Tuesday, November 19, the world comes together to mark World Toilet Day - an annual event that highlights the importance of sanitation and the global efforts to tackle what the United Nations calls “the global sanitation crisis .” This day serves as a reminder that access to clean and safe toilets is a basic human right, yet millions around the world, including here in South Africa, still lack these essential facilities. In South Africa, the situation is dire.
According to the 2021 School Toilet Report by Domestos, as many as 9 out of 10 children are affected by unsanitary school toilets. This isn't just a minor inconvenience, it’s a crisis that impacts both their physical health and mental well-being. The report links poor sanitation facilities to increased anxiety, illness, and even higher levels of absenteeism.
For parents, this is a constant source of worry. Sending their children to school should be a step toward a brighter future, not a daily risk to their health and safety. However, with unreliable toilets and unhygienic conditions, that’s the reality for too many South African families.
This year, in support of the UN’s mission to achieve “sanitation for all” by 2030, Baby Soft partnered with Domestos and the Department of Basic Education to make a real difference where it’s needed most. Together, they audited the sanitation facilities in several schools across the Eastern Cape and provided the much-needed resources to improve them. This partnership.