Sitha Maliwa:
In the heart of Limpopo, South Africa, something extraordinary unfolded – an act of courage and compassion that changed the lives of many children. This change didn’t come from a million-rand grant or a high-ranking politician; it came from one woman who dared to care, speak up, and take action.
For years, the learners of Maphuphe Primary School faced the harsh realities of broken and unsafe toilet facilities -conditions that stripped them of comfort, dignity, and at times, even their health. Learning in such an environment was challenging, particularly for young children. Yet, where many saw an issue too vast to resolve, Murendeni Magaba saw an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Magaba is not a politician or a celebrity. She is a community member. But what set her apart was her decision to stand up, raise her voice, and take action. When Domestos launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitation in South African schools, Magabai seized the opportunity. She nominated Maphuphe Primary, believing that the children of the school deserved better.
“I wanted to give them a school where they could focus on learning, not worry about toilets that made them feel unsafe,” Magaba explained.
Thanks to Magaba’s initiative and Domestos’ response, Maphuphe Primary is no longer a symbol of neglect – it has become a beacon of transformation, showcasing the impact of individual action in the face of systemic challenges.
Before the renovations, the state of Maphuphe Primary’s toilets was dire. But thanks to the combined efforts of Magabai and Domestos, a complete sanitation overhaul took place. Brand-new toilets were installed, carefully designed to ensure that the youngest learners in Grade R could use the facilities safely and comfortably. To minimise the long queues that often formed during breaks, additional urinals were added, making simple trips to the toilet less of a challenge.
In addition to these improvements, Maphuphe now has a dedicated accessible toilet unit for learners with disabilities, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has equal access to safe and dignified sanitation. Clean, modern handwashing stations were also installed, encouraging good hygiene practices that help protect the students’ health far beyond the classroom. Furthermore, Domestos completed vital structural repairs and repainted the bathroom walls, turning once-dilapidated spaces into clean, welcoming facilities.
Magaba’s story is a potent reminder of the power of individual action. In a time when the scale of social issues can feel overwhelming, Magaba didn’t wait for permission or for someone else to act. She simply decided to make a difference, and the results speak for themselves.
“This is more than a refurbishment,” said the school’s principal, Mr. B>M Kumbeni. “It’s restoring dignity.”
While Magaba is inspiring, it is also a stark contrast to the larger, ongoing crisis of school sanitation in South Africa. The reality is that many schools across the country continue to face severe sanitation challenges, which negatively impact the learning environment and the health of students.
As of 2024, over 11,000 schools in South Africa lack access to flushing toilets, and approximately 383 schools still have no running water. These poor facilities pose significant risks to student health and disrupt learning. In provinces like Limpopo, where Maphuphe Primary is located, over 2,500 schools still lack proper flushing toilets, leaving students to contend with unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Although the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative has made significant progress, eradicating over 93% of pit toilets in public schools, 200 schools are still without adequate sanitation facilities and are under pressure to meet the March 2025 deadline to remove pit toilets. This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action at both the community and governmental levels. Magaba’s story is not just one of individual triumph; it’s a rallying cry for more people to step up, raise their voices, and work together to address the school sanitation crisis that still plagues South Africa. It is more than just about toilets; it’s about restoring dignity, health, and hope to children who deserve the very best. – @NewsSA_Online
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