Solving South Africa’s Sanitation Crisis: A Call to Action

Sanitation is not just about toilets; it’s about human dignity. In many ways, it reflects our values as a society, touching on equality, health, and the environment. As we aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6.2, which focuses on universal access to sanitation and hygiene, we face a crucial challenge: the world is falling behind.

Currently, over 3.5 billion people do not have access to proper sanitation, with many relying on open defecation—a situation that compromises health, safety, and dignity. The impact is real; preventable diseases thrive, women and girls face increased risks, and the environment suffers. If we don’t act quickly and decisively, billions of people will continue to live without basic services that we often take for granted.

But there is hope. Countries are demonstrating that effective change is possible. Just recently, I represented South Africa at the World Toilet Summit in New Delhi, a gathering that focused on the theme “Sanitation: Collective Responsibility for Dignity and Planet.” The summit reinforced a vital point: solving the sanitation crisis requires our collective commitment. It’s not merely a technical issue, but a moral imperative.

During the summit, I learned about India’s remarkable achievements. Over the past decade, India constructed more than 110 million toilets, successfully eliminating open defecation. This transformation was possible due to strong political will, community engagement, and a united national effort. South Africa can certainly learn from this approach; we are already making strides, but there’s much more to be done.

Africa, in particular, faces one of the most significant sanitation challenges globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), achieving SDG 6.2 means increasing basic sanitation access thirteen-fold and eliminating open defecation three times faster than current rates. Many African countries have drafted excellent policies but struggle with implementation due to limited resources and financing. In South Africa, for example, some households still lack adequate sanitation. We need strong partnerships and innovative ideas to tackle these gaps.

One positive development is South Africa’s National Faecal Sludge Management Strategy, which aims to ensure that households relying on on-site sanitation systems are catered to, preventing them from reverting to unsafe practices. Even with these efforts, we must acknowledge that about 2.8 million households still lack essential sanitation services. Climate change compounds these problems, often damaging infrastructure and affecting water availability necessary for sanitation systems.

However, our understanding of sanitation is evolving. Waste is no longer just waste; it’s an opportunity for innovation. Faecal sludge can be transformed into fertilizer, energy, or even agricultural products. Many successful projects already showcase this potential in India and other parts of the world. South Africa should embrace this new economy within sanitation.

Since 1994, South Africa has made progress in restoring dignity through improved sanitation. Our Constitution guarantees everyone the right to a healthy environment. Access to improved sanitation has expanded from 61.7% in 2002 to 83.3% in 2023, which is commendable. Yet, we must remain vigilant and push harder.

We can take inspiration from the Water Research Commission (WRC), which leads the charge in sanitation research. By working closely with universities, the WRC promotes evidence-based solutions that have practical applications. From developing non-sewered sanitation systems to resource recovery approaches, this research is vital for our future.

Furthermore, global partnerships, such as with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, play a crucial role in fostering innovation. Their support for transformative sanitation technologies has opened doors to new ideas and international knowledge. We must continue to harness this momentum to ensure that everyone in South Africa has safe, dignified, and sustainable sanitation.

As a country, we should recognize that non-sewered sanitation systems are often our best bet, especially in water-scarce regions. These systems can provide safe sanitation where traditional networks are unfeasible or too costly. In rapidly growing informal settlements, timely action is essential to restore dignity and enhance public health. By adopting innovative solutions, we can accelerate the elimination of inadequate sanitation practices.

While we celebrate our achievements, we must remain focused on the realities we face. Sanitation is not merely about infrastructure; it resonates deeply with issues of justice, public health, and environmental responsibility. The proper sanitation system is crucial for keeping girls in school, safeguarding communities, and fostering economic growth.

With only five years left to meet the SDGs, we must act urgently. Achieving universal access to sanitation is not just a dream; it is a vital necessity and a moral obligation. South Africa has made strides, but we can and must do better, faster.

Let’s embrace this opportunity and work together for a cleaner, safer future for all.

SanitationForAll #CleanWaterAndSanitation #SDG6 #SouthAfricaSanitation #DignityForEveryone #WasteToResource #InnovativeSanitation #WaterSustainability #EqualAccess

Original Text – https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2025-12-07-opinion-sa-can-go-faster-in-solving-its-sanitation-crisis/