#WorldToiletDay: SC Johnson, Duck Empower Tembisa Students With Heartfelt Toilet Revamp Project
For the learners at Mashemong Primary School in Tembisa, World Toilet Day 2024 brought a transformative moment. Thanks to a partnership between SC Johnson and Duck, the renowned South African household brand, the school unveiled newly refurbished toilet facilities, turning a long-standing sanitation crisis into a story of hope and renewal.
For years, Mashemong Primary School struggled with broken toilets, unreliable taps, and unhygienic conditions, which posed health risks and affected the dignity of its learners—especially young girls. These conditions created barriers to education, with some students missing school due to the lack of proper sanitation.
Recognising the situation’s urgency, SC Johnson and Duck collaborated with Tsogang NGO to bring about this impactful change. The refurbishment project included modernising the toilet facilities and installing a vibrant mural, symbolising growth, empowerment, and hygiene.
Learners at Mashemong Primary School | SUPPLIED
“A school should be more than a place for education—it should be a safe haven where children are taught responsibility, self-respect, and the importance of hygiene,” said Lesego Segopolo, on behalf of SC Johnson and Duck. “Through this initiative, we aim to create cleaner, safer spaces. The unveiling ceremony was more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it was a celebration of dignity restored. Students, teachers, and parents gathered to witness the transformation, marking the start of a broader mission to combat toilet poverty in township schools nationwide.
Segopolo continued to add, “Providing clean, safe toilets in township schools should be a shared community mission. Together, we can help schools maintain proper sanitation and create a better environment for learners—one school at a time.”
The impact of this initiative reaches far beyond physical infrastructure. For the students of Mashemong Primary, the clean, safe facilities mean improved health, increased confidence, and fewer missed school days.
Duck’s efforts don’t end here. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to addressing sanitation challenges in schools across South Africa. The brand also aims to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis, encouraging communities and organisations to join the fight for better hygiene.
By supporting projects like this, individuals can help ensure that every child has access to clean, safe toilets and the dignity they deserve. To follow and support this mission, join the conversation using #DuckScience, #GETITCLEANKEEPITFRESH, and #WORLDTOILETDAY on social media.
Through partnerships like this one between SC Johnson, Duck, and Tsogang NGO, we are reminded of the power of collaboration to make a lasting impact. Together, we can create cleaner, healthier spaces for South Africa’s future leaders—one school at a time.