SA comics show that poor sanitation is no laughing matter

Celeste Ntuli and Trevor Gumbi

In an attempt to make proper sanitation for all a global development priority, the United Nations General Assembly designated this day to urge changes in both behaviour and policy on issues ranging from enhancing water management to ending open-air defecation. The international day of action aims to draw attention to the global sanitation crisis. Domestos is the main sponsor of World Toilet Day since its inception in 2001.

Comics speak out

Using toilet humour as a hook, Domestos will engage with the public and highlight the sensitive issue at hand. Both Gumbi and Ntuli will be 'standing up' for the cause at an exclusive media comedy event on 5 November in Johannesburg.

Jokes aside, poor sanitation is no laughing matter

Seasoned comedian Trevor Gumbi has come on board to assist in breaking the taboo that surrounds toilets. "We often take for granted the importance of proper toilets. For me, my best ideas come when I am sitting on the loo. Sanitation is a human right but I am astonished that more people have access to cellphones than toilets," chuckled funny man Gumbi.

Of over 24,000 schools in the country, only 8,000 of them have flushing toilets, with some schools comprising over 1,000 children and no working toilets - leaving learners exposed to a number of diseases.

"Growing up in rural KZN I can identify with these learners. The conditions of the toilets in my school were dreadful and the toilet area was known as the danger zone. As a woman I am equally passionate as I know the challenges young girls face when they reach puberty, therefore I am keen to make a difference," commented actress and comedian Ntuli.

Awareness campaign

As the market's leading toilet cleaner, Unilever's Domestos has been committed to helping protect families from germs for more than 80 years.

Through its Cleaner Toilets, Brighter Future campaign, Domestos has been renovating school toilets for the past four years - helping to provide over 22,000 learners from across the country with access to better and proper sanitation.

"Domestos is a brand that cares about the good health of people, therefore the need for proper sanitation is crucial in ensuring healthier and happier lifestyles. Through our involvement with the World Toilet Organisation, as the main sponsors of World Toilet Day, we hope to showcase the importance of cleaner toilets and proper sanitation. Our goal is to improve sanitation to over 1.4mil learners in South Africa by 2020" commented Domestos SA brand manager, Cynthia Luthuli.