Gauteng schools face sanitation crisis as new audit reveals alarming toilet loss

IOL News

14-07-2025

Gauteng schools confront sanitation challenges as new audit highlights urgent need for intervention
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
A recent audit of 300 schools in Gauteng has uncovered widespread 'toilet loss,' highlighting the grim realities of school sanitation in the province. The term refers to inadequate bathrooms that are unsafe and unusable due to poor hygiene, substandard infrastructure, and a lack of basic supplies like soap and toilet paper.
Conducted in May 2025, the baseline audit assessed 1,717 toilet blocks across Gauteng primary schools, revealing stark findings: Only 6.5% of the cubicles met basic sanitation standards and could be classified as fully functional.
27% of toilets had visible faeces and urine, while 22% emitted unacceptable odours.
A mere 15% of toilet blocks provided toilet paper, and half were without soap.
69% lacked dustbins, essential for maintaining hygiene and dignity.
While nearly every school employed at least one cleaner, only 32% utilised any form of cleaning checklist, with even fewer maintaining supply tracking or regular cleaning schedules.
This alarming situation has catalysed the launch of the UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER campaign, a collaborative initiative between Baby Soft®, Domestos, and the Department of Basic Education that seeks to address these pressing concerns.
'These results are a wake-up call,' remarks Siyolise Shinga, Baby Soft® Brand Manager.
'Perhaps most concerning is that only 50 of the 300 schools audited had even one cubicle that met sanitation criteria. This indicates a systemic issue, rather than isolated failures.'
From awareness to action
The campaign seeks to bring targeted support to all participating schools through a series of interventions designed to promote effective sanitation practices.
This includes training for school cleaners and management on best practices, alongside the distribution of essential supplies such as cleaning kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), toilet paper, and bleach.
To foster daily upkeep, schools will be equipped with administrative tools that include cleaning rosters, daily checklists, and inventory tracking forms. Behaviour-change initiatives will also be introduced to enhance cleaner motivation and establish stronger systems of accountability.
Drawing from the success in the Eastern Cape, where over 100,000 lives were positively impacted in 2024, the campaign reported significant improvements: a jump in PPE access from 31% to 93%, daily cleaning checklist utilisation from 0.3% to 42%, with toilet paper availability increasing from 61% to 99%. Cleaner motivation surged too, with 79% feeling highly committed to their role by the end of the campaign.
'Cleaners in Gauteng are already showing a strong foundation for change, with 85% expressing motivation, and 64% describing themselves as extremely driven to maintain school toilets,' says Queen Mgobhozi at Domestos.
'Building on this enthusiasm, we will provide vital supplies, training, and tools to help schools integrate better toilet care into their daily routines.'
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A call for lasting change
While the immediate focus is on enhancing the hygiene and functionality of school toilets, the campaign's long-term vision aims to elevate the importance of sanitation in school planning, staffing, and budgeting.
'It's high time that school sanitation is no longer treated as an afterthought, as its impact on education is undeniably significant,' asserts Shinga.
'We must ensure that cleaners are valued and supported, that hygiene is prioritised in school agendas, and that learners feel safe, respected, and cared for when they enter bathrooms.'
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