A nationwide fundraising effort has transformed generosity into action, replacing unsafe pit toilets at dozens of schools and giving learners the dignity they deserve.
South Africa (28 July 2026) – There are few things more heartbreaking than knowing a child is afraid to use the toilet at school. For far too many learners across South Africa, that has been their daily reality. But thanks to thousands of ordinary South Africans who answered a call to help, that reality is changing.
More than R4.4 million has now been raised to replace dangerous pit toilets with safe, dignified sanitation facilities, giving children something every learner deserves: the chance to learn without fear.
The remarkable fundraising effort, led by LottoStar in partnership with East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM and Metro FM, has already helped replace unsafe pit toilets at 50 schools across KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, marking a significant milestone in tackling one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Pit toilets have claimed lives, caused devastating injuries and continue to place almost 1 million South African children at risk every school day. Beyond the immediate dangers, poor sanitation affects learners’ health and attendance. For many girls, inadequate and exposed facilities can mean missing school during their menstrual cycles, creating yet another obstacle to their education.
This campaign proves what can happen when people decide that enough is enough.
The fundraising journey began in March 2026 through East Coast Radio’s Big Favour campaign. The response from listeners was so overwhelming that what was initially planned for two schools quickly expanded to three. A total of R1,847,500 was raised to replace dangerous pit toilets at Maliphume Primary School, Linwood Combined Primary School and Songozini Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal. That momentum continued with Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels, where listeners helped raise R1.62 million. The funds were used to build modern flush toilet facilities at Sijabulile Primary School in Mbombela and Ian Mackenzi High School in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. Even with difficult weather conditions and construction delays, the projects were completed on schedule. Most recently, Metro FM listeners added another chapter to the story. Through LottoStar’s Woza Win campaign, an incredible R967,500 was raised in just one week. Those funds will now provide new sanitation facilities at Gudlintaba Primary, Mountain Home Primary, Moyamuhle Primary and Shiyamphala Primary in KwaZulu-Natal’s uMgungundlovu District, improving conditions for 272 learners and 21 educators.
“We are deeply grateful to every South African who responded to these campaigns. Together, we have shown that small acts of generosity can create lasting change for children who deserve so much better. Reaching our 12th school with Breadline Africa is a milestone we are proud to celebrate, and we hope it inspires even more people to join us in ensuring every learner has access to safe sanitation,” said Maria Pavli, Head of the Star Foundation.
While celebrating the achievement, Breadline Africa says the work is far from over.
“Reaching 50 schools is a significant milestone, but it also reminds us how much work remains. Every child deserves access to safe, dignified sanitation, and every new facility gives learners the opportunity to attend school with confidence and focus on their education. We are incredibly grateful to LottoStar for championing this cause, to East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM and Metro FM for providing a platform to engage millions of South Africans, and to every listener whose generosity is helping create safer learning environments for children across the country,” said Marion Wagner, CEO of Breadline Africa.
Building More Than Cars, Ford is Building Stronger South African Communities
The NSRI is Giving South Africans Another Reason to Do Something Good!This is what South Africans do so well. When presented with a challenge that affects the country’s children, people from every corner step forward to help. More than R4.4 million is an extraordinary number, but the real impact will be measured in safer schools, better attendance, restored dignity and generations of children who can simply get on with being kids and chasing their dreams.
For more information about Breadline Africa’s sanitation campaign, visit https://breadlineafrica.org/toiletcrisis.
by 
