The death of a five-year-old child due to the lack of basic toilet facilities has once again highlighted the dire state of sanitation in many parts of Africa. In 2014, Michael Komape fell into a pit toilet at his school in the Limpopo province of South Africa and drowned in human waste. This tragedy sparked widespread outrage and protests, leading to calls for greater government accountability and action to ensure child safety and public health.
Despite the promises made by the government to improve sanitation facilities, the situation remains bleak in many areas of the country. Thousands of schools, particularly in poor and rural areas, still lack basic water and sanitation infrastructure, putting millions of children at risk of infection, disease and injury.
The case of Michael Komape highlights the urgent need for action to address this crisis. The family's award of over R1 million in damages for emotional shock is a step towards justice, but it cannot bring back their son or address the larger systemic issues that led to his death. Nor can it erase the trauma and suffering of other families who have lost loved ones due to neglect and inadequate infrastructure.
It is essential that governments in Africa prioritize basic sanitation and hygiene infrastructure as a matter of human rights and public health. This includes investing in safe and hygienic toilets, access to clean water, and adequate waste management systems. It also requires increased accountability and transparency in the provision of these services, as well as the political will to address the root causes of the problem.
As citizens, we must also demand greater awareness and action to promote child safety and human rights across Africa. This includes supporting NGOs and civil society organizations working to improve access to sanitation, advocating for government action, and holding those in power accountable for their promises and actions.
Together, we can work towards a future where every child has access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities, and where tragedies like the death of Michael Komape are never allowed to happen again.