Radio Listeners Rally to Replace Dangerous Pit Toilets at 50 Schools!

Photo Credit: Breadline Africa via Facebook

Thanks to the incredible generosity of radio listeners across the country, R4.4 million was raised to replace hazardous pit toilets with safe, dignified sanitation, giving thousands of children at 50 schools the safe environment they deserve

South Africa (27 July 2026) – Every child deserves safe, dignified toilets. In a busy world filled with competing needs and concerns, basic sanitation isn’t always the first right that comes to mind, but one that thousands of children in some of the most remote and underserved communities are still denied.

In fact, according to Breadline Africa, almost one million children in South Africa still use unsafe pit toilets at school every day. The conditions are dangerous and undignified, and a direct barrier to learning.

For girls in particular, the impact is severe. Broken and exposed facilities often mean missed school days every month, with menstruation becoming a barrier to education rather than a manageable part of daily life.

However, against this concerning reality is a beacon of hope in the form of organisations and businesses working tirelessly to improve these conditions for vulnerable children, because no child should ever have to fear going to the toilet.

Through a series of radio fundraising campaigns held this year, an incredible R4.4 million was raised to help Breadline Africa reach a major milestone: replacing dangerous pit toilets with safe, dignified facilities across 50 schools!

That means 50 schools where fear and poor sanitation have officially been replaced by safety, health, and dignity.

Research confirms what communities already know: when school sanitation improves, attendance improves. Safe and dignified toilets are not a luxury. They are the foundation of a functioning education.

Photo Credit: Breadline Africa via Facebook

By East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM and Metro FM bringing the school sanitation crisis to millions of listeners across the country, it inspired an extraordinary response that has transformed sanitation facilities at schools where they were needed most.

CEO of Breadline Africa, Marion Wagner, said reaching 50 schools is a significant milestone, but it also reminds the organisation of 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,” said Wagner, further thanking every media platform, sponsor and listener whose support and generosity are helping create safer learning environments for children across the country.

Breadline Africa expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all the radio stations involved in amplifying the sanitation crisis and the message that needed to be heard by South Africans, and to the sponsors, the Star Foundation and LottoStar, for championing these campaigns.

“And to every listener who donated – you are the reason these schools now have safe and dignified toilets. This was your doing as much as anyone else’s. Restoring dignity and creating safer spaces where children can learn – that is what your collective support made possible,” the organisation said.

You can find out more about the campaign and how you can help here.