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 – yet for many schools, safe sanitation remains completely out of reach. In 2026, a series of radio fundraising campaigns raised more than R4.4 million and helped Breadline Africa reach a landmark milestone: 50 schools where dangerous pit toilets have been replaced with safe and dignified facilities.
The campaigns were led by LottoStar, in collaboration with East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM and Metro FM. By bringing the school sanitation crisis to millions of listeners across the country, they inspired an extraordinary response that is transforming sanitation facilities at schools where they are needed most.
Why unsafe school pit toilets remain one of South Africa’s most urgent education challenges
The scale of South Africa’s school sanitation problem is difficult to overstate. Almost one million learners attend schools where pit toilets are the only option – structures that offer no privacy and pose serious risks to health and safety. 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.
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.
East Coast Radio Big Favour: R1,847,500 raised to replace KwaZulu-Natal school pit toilets
The fundraising began in March 2026, when LottoStar partnered with East Coast Radio’s Big Favour campaign to raise funds for school pit toilet replacement in KwaZulu-Natal. The overwhelming response from listeners enabled the project to expand from two schools to three.
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. Hundreds of learners now have access to safe and dignified school sanitation.
Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels: pit toilet replacement reaches Mpumalanga
LottoStar’s campaign with Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels followed, raising R1.62 million to replace unsafe pit toilets with modern flush toilet facilities at Sijabulile Primary School in Mbombela and Ian Mackenzi High School in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
Despite challenging weather conditions and construction delays, all work was completed on schedule. Learners and educators are now using their new facilities – for many, it is the first time their school has had toilets that actually work.
Metro FM Woza Win: R967,500 raised in one week for uMgungundlovu schools
Most recently, LottoStar’s Woza Win campaign on Metro FM raised R967,500 in a single week. The funds will provide new sanitation facilities at Gudlintaba Primary, Mountain Home Primary, Moyamuhle Primary and Shiyamphala Primary – four rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal’s uMgungundlovu District serving 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.
50 schools: a landmark milestone in South African school sanitation
More than R4.4 million raised by radio listeners. Fifty schools where dangerous pit toilets have been replaced with safe facilities. Thousands of learners no longer facing the daily indignity of unsafe school sanitation.
“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.
A thank you to everyone who made it possible
None of this happens without the right people choosing to show up.
To the Star Foundation and LottoStar – thank you for championing these campaigns and for bringing this cause to radio audiences across the country. To East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels and Metro FM – thank you for opening your platforms and your airwaves to a crisis that deserved to be heard. 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.
South Africa’s school sanitation crisis is far from over. Almost one million children are still waiting. Find out more about the campaign and how you can help: breadlineafrica.org/toiletcrisis
