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The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Baby Soft® tackles 'toilet loss' crisis in Gauteng schools this Mandela Day
Partnered Content | Published 4 hours ago A new audit of 300 Gauteng schools has revealed widespread 'toilet loss' - a term used to describe bathrooms that are unsafe or unusable due to poor sanitation, inadequate infrastructure and the absence of essentials like soap and toilet paper. The audit marks the launch of the Unstoppable Together campaign in Gauteng, an impactful public-private partnership between Baby Soft ® , Domestos and the Department of Basic Education. Following a successful 2024 rollout in the Eastern Cape, the next leg of the campaign aims to broaden long-term improvements in school sanitation by resourcing, training and supporting schools in need. 'Our campaign extends beyond just providing cleaning supplies; it's about helping schools take better care of their facilities through training and day-to-day systems that support hygiene and accountability,' says Siyolise Shinga, Baby Soft ® Brand Manager. 'That Mandela Day, we're reaffirming our commitment to improving bathroom conditions for learners, one province and school at a time.' Gauteng's sanitation wake-up call Conducted in May 2025, the baseline audit assessed 1,717 toilet blocks and more than 4000 cubicles across primary schools in Gauteng. The findings are stark: Only 6.5% of cubicles met all basic sanitation criteria and could be considered fully functional. 27% of toilets showed visible faeces and urine, while 22% had an unacceptable odour. Only 15% of toilet blocks had toilet paper available, and 50% had no soap. 69% had no dustbins, a simple yet vital item for hygiene and dignity. While almost all schools have at least one cleaner, only 32% use any form of cleaning checklist, and fewer still track supplies or maintain a regular cleaning roster. 'These results are a wake-up call,' says Shinga. 'Perhaps most concerning, is that only 50 out of the 300 schools audited had even a single cubicle that passed all sanitation criteria, pointing to widespread challenges rather than isolated failures.' From awareness to action The Gauteng rollout of Unstoppable Together will deliver targeted support to all 300 participating schools through a range of interventions. These include training for both cleaners and school management on sanitation best practices, as well as the distribution of essential supplies such as cleaning kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), toilet paper and bleach. To support day-to-day maintenance, schools will also receive administrative tools including cleaning rosters, daily checklists and inventory tracking forms. In addition, the campaign will introduce behaviour-change initiatives designed to boost cleaner motivation and establish stronger systems of accountability. These interventions are based on a tested model. In the Eastern Cape, where the campaign benefited over 100 000 lives in 2024, measurable improvements were recorded. These included a rise in PPE access from 31% to 93%, daily cleaning checklist use from 0.3% to 42%, and toilet paper availability from 61% to 99%. Cleaner motivation also increased, with 79% feeling highly committed to their role by the end of the campaign. 'Already, cleaners in Gauteng are showing a strong foundation for change, with 85% saying they feel motivated, and 64% describing themselves as extremely motivated to take care of school toilets,' says Queen Mgobhozi at Domestos. 'Harnessing this enthusiasm, we will provide the necessary cleaning supplies, training and tools to help schools embed better toilet care into their daily routines.' A call for lasting change While the immediate goal is to improve the hygiene and functionality of school toilets, the long-term vision is to elevate the value placed on sanitation in school planning, staffing and budgeting. 'For too long, school sanitation has been treated as an afterthought, yet its impact on education is significant,' says Shinga. 'We want to see cleaners valued and supported. We want school priorities to reflect the importance of hygiene. And we want learners to walk into bathrooms that make them feel safe, respected and cared for.' While Mandela Day can act as a powerful catalyst here, Shinga stresses that real change takes time. 'Our commitment is more than symbolic; it's a sustained investment in human dignity, health and the right to learn without fear. That's what Mandela stood for, and that's what we're working towards, together,' he concludes. For more information:
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Baby Soft® tackles 'toilet loss' crisis in Gauteng schools this Mandela Day
The Baby Soft Unstoppable Together campaign aims to help families and communities have access to clean, safe toilets, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied A new audit of 300 Gauteng schools has revealed widespread 'toilet loss' - a term used to describe bathrooms that are unsafe or unusable due to poor sanitation, inadequate infrastructure and the absence of essentials like soap and toilet paper. The audit marks the launch of the Unstoppable Together campaign in Gauteng, an impactful public-private partnership between Baby Soft®, Domestos and the Department of Basic Education. Following a successful 2024 rollout in the Eastern Cape, the next leg of the campaign aims to broaden long-term improvements in school sanitation by resourcing, training and supporting schools in need. 'Our campaign extends beyond just providing cleaning supplies; it's about helping schools take better care of their facilities through training and day-to-day systems that support hygiene and accountability,' says Siyolise Shinga, Baby Soft® Brand Manager. 'That Mandela Day, we're reaffirming our commitment to improving bathroom conditions for learners, one province and school at a time.' Gauteng's sanitation wake-up call Conducted in May 2025, the baseline audit assessed 1,717 toilet blocks and more than 4000 cubicles across primary schools in Gauteng. The findings are stark: Only 6.5% of cubicles met all basic sanitation criteria and could be considered fully functional. 27% of toilets showed visible faeces and urine, while 22% had an unacceptable odour. Only 15% of toilet blocks had toilet paper available, and 50% had no soap. 69% had no dustbins, a simple yet vital item for hygiene and dignity. While almost all schools have at least one cleaner, only 32% use any form of cleaning checklist, and fewer still track supplies or maintain a regular cleaning roster. 'These results are a wake-up call,' says Shinga. 'Perhaps most concerning, is that only 50 out of the 300 schools audited had even a single cubicle that passed all sanitation criteria, pointing to widespread challenges rather than isolated failures.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading From awareness to action The Gauteng rollout of Unstoppable Together will deliver targeted support to all 300 participating schools through a range of interventions. These include training for both cleaners and school management on sanitation best practices, as well as the distribution of essential supplies such as cleaning kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), toilet paper and bleach. To support day-to-day maintenance, schools will also receive administrative tools including cleaning rosters, daily checklists and inventory tracking forms. In addition, the campaign will introduce behaviour-change initiatives designed to boost cleaner motivation and establish stronger systems of accountability. These interventions are based on a tested model. In the Eastern Cape, where the campaign benefited over 100 000 lives in 2024, measurable improvements were recorded. These included a rise in PPE access from 31% to 93%, daily cleaning checklist use from 0.3% to 42%, and toilet paper availability from 61% to 99%. Cleaner motivation also increased, with 79% feeling highly committed to their role by the end of the campaign. 'Already, cleaners in Gauteng are showing a strong foundation for change, with 85% saying they feel motivated, and 64% describing themselves as extremely motivated to take care of school toilets,' says Queen Mgobhozi at Domestos. 'Harnessing this enthusiasm, we will provide the necessary cleaning supplies, training and tools to help schools embed better toilet care into their daily routines.' A call for lasting change While the immediate goal is to improve the hygiene and functionality of school toilets, the long-term vision is to elevate the value placed on sanitation in school planning, staffing and budgeting. 'For too long, school sanitation has been treated as an afterthought, yet its impact on education is significant,' says Shinga. 'We want to see cleaners valued and supported. We want school priorities to reflect the importance of hygiene. And we want learners to walk into bathrooms that make them feel safe, respected and cared for.' While Mandela Day can act as a powerful catalyst here, Shinga stresses that real change takes time. 'Our commitment is more than symbolic; it's a sustained investment in human dignity, health and the right to learn without fear. That's what Mandela stood for, and that's what we're working towards, together,' he concludes. For more information:
News24
15-07-2025
- Business
- News24
Baby Soft tackles 'toilet loss' crisis in Gauteng schools this Mandela Day
A new audit of 300 Gauteng schools has revealed widespread 'toilet loss' - a term used to describe bathrooms that are unsafe or unusable due to poor sanitation, inadequate infrastructure and the absence of essentials like soap and toilet paper. The audit marks the launch of the UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER campaign in Gauteng, an impactful public-private partnership between Baby Soft®, Domestos and the Department of Basic Education. Following a successful 2024 rollout in the Eastern Cape, the next leg of the campaign aims to broaden long-term improvements in school sanitation by resourcing, training and supporting schools in need. 'Our campaign extends beyond just providing cleaning supplies; it's about helping schools take better care of their facilities through training and day-to-day systems that support hygiene and accountability,' says Siyolise Shinga, Baby Soft® Brand Manager. 'That Mandela Day, we're reaffirming our commitment to improving bathroom conditions for learners, one province and school at a time.' Gauteng's sanitation wake-up call Conducted in May 2025, the baseline audit assessed 1,717 toilet blocks and more than 4000 cubicles across primary schools in Gauteng. The findings are stark: Only 6.5% of cubicles met all basic sanitation criteria and could be considered fully functional. 27% of toilets showed visible faeces and urine, while 22% had an unacceptable odour. Only 15% of toilet blocks had toilet paper available, and 50% had no soap. 69% had no dustbins, a simple yet vital item for hygiene and dignity. While almost all schools have at least one cleaner, only 32% use any form of cleaning checklist, and fewer still track supplies or maintain a regular cleaning roster. 'These results are a wake-up call,' says Shinga. 'Perhaps most concerning, is that only 50 out of the 300 schools audited had even a single cubicle that passed all sanitation criteria, pointing to widespread challenges rather than isolated failures.' From awareness to action The Gauteng rollout of UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER will deliver targeted support to all 300 participating schools through a range of interventions. These include training for both cleaners and school management on sanitation best practices, as well as the distribution of essential supplies such as cleaning kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), toilet paper and bleach. To support day-to-day maintenance, schools will also receive administrative tools including cleaning rosters, daily checklists and inventory tracking forms. In addition, the campaign will introduce behaviour-change initiatives designed to boost cleaner motivation and establish stronger systems of accountability. These interventions are based on a tested model. In the Eastern Cape, where the campaign benefited over 100 000 lives in 2024, measurable improvements were recorded. These included a rise in PPE access from 31% to 93%, daily cleaning checklist use from 0.3% to 42%, and toilet paper availability from 61% to 99%. Cleaner motivation also increased, with 79% feeling highly committed to their role by the end of the campaign. 'Already, cleaners in Gauteng are showing a strong foundation for change, with 85% saying they feel motivated, and 64% describing themselves as extremely motivated to take care of school toilets,' says Queen Mgobhozi at Domestos. 'Harnessing this enthusiasm, we will provide the necessary cleaning supplies, training and tools to help schools embed better toilet care into their daily routines.' A call for lasting change While the immediate goal is to improve the hygiene and functionality of school toilets, the long-term vision is to elevate the value placed on sanitation in school planning, staffing and budgeting. 'For too long, school sanitation has been treated as an afterthought, yet its impact on education is significant,' says Shinga. 'We want to see cleaners valued and supported. We want school priorities to reflect the importance of hygiene. And we want learners to walk into bathrooms that make them feel safe, respected and cared for.' While Mandela Day can act as a powerful catalyst here, Shinga stresses that real change takes time. 'Our commitment is more than symbolic; it's a sustained investment in human dignity, health and the right to learn without fear. That's what Mandela stood for, and that's what we're working towards, together,' he concludes.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Gauteng schools face sanitation crisis as new audit reveals alarming toilet loss
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.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 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.' IOL
