The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) joined hands with the City of Tshwane, Rand Water, Departments of Basic Education and Health, and Shoprite to celebrate World Toilet Day at Raikana Primary School in Shoshanguve on Thursday, 16 November 2023.

The primary objective of this educational initiative was to actively involve the Soshanguve community, students, and educators in raising awareness and promoting education about the significance of toilets, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

World Toilet Day is observed annually to raise awareness of the daily struggle for proper sanitation facing millions of people worldwide. This year’s theme is ”Accelerate change” which compels development at an accelerating rate.

According to the National Development Plan, South Africa is only left with 7 years to ensure that all citizens have access to sustainable and equitable sanitation services by 2030. 

Approximately 500 learners and their school educators, 110 members of the community, and 40 officials were in attendance.

Addressing the attendees at the event, Fikile Mokonoto, from Water and Sanitation, said that lack of proper sanitation facilities can result in an unhealthy environment due to contamination from human waste. 

Mokonoto further explained the importance of toilets in properly disposing of human waste. He said access to appropriate sanitation facilities enables people to live in clean environment. Contrary to that, poor waste disposal practices contribute to infectious bacteria and other germs spreading through contaminated water or food consumption.

“Proper sanitation facilities prevent the spread of infectious diseases by providing a safe and hygienic way of disposing of human waste. Without proper sanitation facilities, human waste can contaminate water sources, soil, and food sources, leading to an increased risk of infectious diseases,” said Mokonoto.

A teacher at Raikana Primary School, Sinenhlanhla Mahlangu, expressed her profound gratitude for this enlightening information which will empower the learners and the community at large about the necessity of proper disposal of human waste and maintaining a healthy and hygienic lifestyle.

She also noted that this is especially important in rural areas where access to proper sanitation is limited, and where the consequences of improper disposal of human waste can be devastating. 

Munyuku Amogelang, a 10-year-old grade 4 learner from Raikana Primary School, expressed his extreme happiness that the government is working hard to provide free education for everyone. He admitted that he didn't know the importance of toilets beyond disposing of human waste, but he now understands significant role of toilets. 

 

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation