Living with a disability in the Phelindaba section of Sannieshof, in the Tswaing Local Municipality, Annah Lekgetho spent her entire life relying on a family toilet that was not designed to meet her needs, a situation that made even the most basic tasks difficult and, at times, undignified.
That reality changed for the 20-year-old this week when Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo handed over a disability-friendly onsite toilet to her family, restoring not only access, but a sense of dignity.
For Lekgetho and the family that cared for her, the new facility represents more than infrastructure, it brings relief, independence, and hope.
Lekgetho’s situation came to the attention of the Deputy Minister during an oversight visit to Tswaing that is located in the North West province in December last year. The Deputy Minister’s visit at the time formed part of National Sanitation Month.
The visit was initially aimed at assessing the state of the Sannieshof Wastewater Treatment Works and the impact of ongoing sewer spillages on surrounding communities.
But it was in the homes of residents, including Lekgetho’s where the human cost of inadequate sanitation became most apparent.
Sharing a standard toilet facility that could not accommodate her disability had placed strain not only on Lekgetho, but also on family members.
Speaking at the handover, Seitlholo said Lekgetho’s story reflects the broader challenges faced by vulnerable members of society when access to proper sanitation is limited.
“A lack of a decent, disability-friendly toilet highlights the daily struggles faced by many in our communities. This requires urgent intervention to protect the dignity and well-being of our people, especially those living with disabilities.”
He stressed that access to safe and appropriate sanitation is not a luxury, but a constitutional right.
“Access to proper sanitation is not a privilege, it is a constitutional right. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa affirms every person’s right to dignity, equality, and a safe and healthy environment. As government, we could not leave this family behind,” Seitlholo said.
Partnership brings change
To address the need, the Department of Water and Sanitation partnered with private sanitation company, AmaLooLoo to provide and install the specialised facility.
The facility is designed to accommodate Lekgetho’s mobility needs and includes a supportive toilet seat and an indoor shower for ease of use. It is also designed to utilise rainwater for most of its operation, promoting sustainability while improving the household’s quality of life.
Seitlholo was accompanied by the Acting Mayor of Tswaing Local Municipality, Nkagisang Molehabangwe, who echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of partnerships to improve service delivery and responding to community needs.
The Deputy Minister expressed hope that the initiative would inspire stronger collaboration between national, provincial, and local government, together with private sector partners, to accelerate access to basic services and improve the lives of vulnerable citizens.
For Lekgetho, the intervention marks a significant shift in her daily life, one that restores independence and eases the burden on her family.
As the country moves towards the end of the commemoration of Human Rights Month, her story is a reminder that service delivery is not only about infrastructure, but about people, and the dignity that comes with being seen, heard, and supported. – SAnews.gov.za
