Transforming lives: Supporting sustainable sanitation at South African schools
The RUNRES team reports on a successful innovation for improving sanitation systems in South Africa primary schools. The devised state-of-the-art system improves sanitation facilities and also offers the unique, eco-friendly advantage of providing nutrients for school agricultural activities.
The Flagship Project Enhancing Resilience in Food Systems seeks to directly contribute to food systems resilience by supporting decision-making in practice through stakeholder participation in case studies and academic education in four countries: Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project was initiated in 2013 and is led by World Food System Center member Johan Six. Here is an update from a collaborative initiative of the University of KwaZulu Natal, ETH Zurich, uMngeni uThukela Water, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and BORDA South Africa.
Supporting sustainable sanitation at South African schools
Julukandoda Primary School, nestled in the rural expanse of uMngeni Municipality, South Africa, serves as a hub of education for approximately 768 young learners. The school radiates a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, reflective of the youthful spirit of its students. However, beneath this vitality lies a significant challenge—sanitation.
Sanitation in South African schools remains a critical issue, and the situation at Julukandoda Primary is no exception. For years, the school has grappled with outdated and unsafe toilet facilities that poses serious health and safety risks to its users. These issues are further compounded by frequent water shortages in the region, making the management of sanitation systems even more difficult. The lack of reliable and hygienic facilities not only endangers the health of students but also impacts their dignity and overall learning experience.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a collaboration was formed between several organizations, including RUNRES facilitated by the University of KwaZulu Natal and ETH, Zurich, uMngeni uThukela Water, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and BORDA South Africa. Together, they devised an innovative and sustainable solution to transform the sanitation infrastructure at Julukandoda Primary School.
A new sanitation systems with an eco-friendly advantage
Central to this initiative was the installation of low-flush toilets and a decentralized wastewater treatment system (DEWATS). This state-of-the-art system not only improves sanitation facilities but also offers a unique, eco-friendly advantage. The treated effluent from the DEWATS is repurposed for agricultural activities on the school premises.
These activities include the production of seedlings and the planting of fruit trees, creating a dual benefit of enhancing both hygiene and food security. This integrated approach serves as a sustainable model that can be replicated in other schools across South Africa, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions to address systemic challenges.
Highlighting the power of transdisciplinary collaboration
To document and share this transformative journey, a mini documentary was produced, highlighting the power of transdisciplinary collaboration. The documentary captures the collective effort of diverse stakeholders working towards a common goal: ensuring a healthier, safer, and more sustainable learning environment for the students of Julukandoda Primary School. It serves as an inspiring illustration as to what can be achieved when communities, institutions, and organizations unite to tackle pressing issues.
Through this initiative, Julukandoda Primary School is not only addressing its immediate sanitation challenges but also paving the way for a future where education and sustainability go hand in hand.
The RUNRES (Rural-Urban Nexus: Establishing a nutrient loop to improve city-region food system Resilience) team has successfully entered a second phase of the project. From 2023-2027, the team focuses on scaling up the successful innovations in four countries.