Thousands of South Africans have come together to improve the lives of learners across the country, raising more than R4.4 million to replace unsafe pit toilets at schools through a series of nationwide radio fundraising campaigns.
The milestone marks 50 schools where dangerous sanitation facilities have now been replaced, thanks to partnerships between Breadline Africa, LottoStar, East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM and Metro FM.
The initiative is helping to create safer, more dignified learning environments for children, many of whom previously relied on hazardous pit toilets.
A nationwide effort to improve school sanitation
Nearly one million children in South Africa still attend schools that use unsafe pit toilets, creating serious safety risks while also affecting attendance and learning.
For many girls, inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to missed school days, making access to safe, private toilets an important part of ensuring equal opportunities in education.
The fundraising campaign began in March 2026 when LottoStar partnered with East Coast Radio’s The Big Favour, raising R1,847,500 to replace pit toilets at three schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
A second campaign with Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels raised R1.62 million, funding modern flush toilet facilities at two schools in Mpumalanga.
Most recently, LottoStar’s Woza Win campaign on Metro FM raised R967,500 in just one week. Those funds will provide new sanitation facilities at four rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal’s uMgungundlovu District.
Restoring dignity through community support
Maria Pavli, Head of the Star Foundation, thanked South Africans for supporting the initiative.
“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.”
Breadline Africa CEO Marion Wagner said reaching 50 schools is an important milestone but highlighted that the need remains significant.
“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.”
She also thanked LottoStar, the participating radio stations and every listener who contributed towards creating safer schools.
Why this matters
While the campaign has reached an important milestone, it also shines a light on the continued need for improved school infrastructure across South Africa.
Every new sanitation facility helps create a safer environment where learners can focus on their education without worrying about their safety or dignity.
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