World Toilet Day: Pit toilets are stripping away our dignity!

THE world celebrates World Toilet Day under the theme Toilet - A Place for Peace.

However, there's little to celebrate as most South Africans still use pit toilets.

Daycare centres also rely on pit toilets.

They consider these facilities their place of peace.

One such centre is Malesa Daycare Centre, based in Malesa Village outside Mankweng in Limpopo.

The centre has two pit toilets.

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The principal, Salome Mamabolo, expressed dissatisfaction with their condition.

"This toilet was built in 2014 when I opened my daycare centre. At first, it didn't have doors or a roof. I took some of my old, corrugated iron from home. This toilet is separated into two sections: the first is for the kids, and the second is for adults. Early last year, we were fortunate enough to receive a donation of a new toilet with four sections," Salome said.

She said they supervise kids when they go to relieve themselves to prevent them falling into the pit toilet.

"Because our toilets are not in a good state, we fear one day one of the kids might fall in the pit. That's why we ensure we supervise them every time they go to relieve themselves."

Meanwhile, Lesiba Maredi from the same area said he's ashamed of his pit toilet.

"My toilet is a mess. I'm even ashamed of it because it strips me of my dignity. I applied for a free toilet in 2016, and to this day, I haven't received any feedback. It becomes difficult for my family when it's raining."