Parents at Dr AT Moreosele Secondary School in Mabopane, north of Pretoria, are raising concerns about the dire state of the school’s toilets. According to them, the toilets have been out of order since March last year, leaving around 2000 learners without access to functioning facilities.
Boitumelo Kekana, speaking on behalf of parents and the school governing body (SGB), expressed their frustration, stating that the toilets are filthy, always blocked, and lack privacy as most of them do not have doors. Additionally, the school’s taps run dry after the lunch break, forcing children to bring water from home to drink. Kekana also highlighted the unsanitary conditions of the school as a whole, including an unsafe kitchen space for food preparation.
The importance of basic hygiene cannot be overstated, as emphasized by Professor Sharon Fonn from the School of Public Health at Wits University. She explains that clean and safe toilets are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases, especially when there is no running water available for handwashing. Dr. Tumelo Mufhandu, a virologist at the University of North West, further warns of the health risks posed by the lack of water for handwashing, which can lead to gastrointestinal infections from bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta points out the prevalence of unsafe toilets in township schools, calling for urgent action to address the issue. He notes a disparity between staff toilets, which are well-maintained, and learner toilets, which are often in a state of disrepair. Makaneta stresses the importance of maintaining proper hygiene standards in schools to safeguard the health of learners.
Amidst allegations of mismanagement of funds by the school principal, the Gauteng Department of Education has launched an investigation into the matter. Parents believe that the financial mismanagement has led to the inability to pay the water bill or hire professionals to repair the broken toilets. The situation at Dr AT Moreosele Secondary School serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for adequate sanitation facilities in educational institutions to ensure the health and well-being of students. The Effects of Climate Change on Global Agriculture
Climate change is having a profound impact on global agriculture, affecting everything from crop yields to food security. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic, farmers are facing new challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the world’s food supply.
One of the most immediate effects of climate change on agriculture is the disruption of growing seasons. Warmer temperatures and shifting weather patterns are causing crops to mature at different times, making it difficult for farmers to predict when to plant and harvest their crops. This can lead to lower yields and lower quality produce, resulting in financial losses for farmers and higher food prices for consumers.
In addition to changing growing seasons, climate change is also causing more extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. These events can destroy crops, damage infrastructure, and displace farmers, further exacerbating food insecurity and poverty in vulnerable communities. For example, the recent drought in California has caused significant damage to the state’s agriculture industry, leading to water shortages and crop failures.
Climate change is also affecting the availability of water for agriculture. As temperatures rise, water sources are drying up, making it harder for farmers to irrigate their crops and livestock. This can lead to decreased crop yields and lower productivity, further straining the global food supply.
Furthermore, climate change is impacting the spread of pests and diseases that can devastate crops. Warmer temperatures are allowing pests to thrive in new areas, leading to increased infestations and crop losses. In addition, changing weather patterns are creating ideal conditions for diseases to spread, further threatening global food security.
To address the effects of climate change on agriculture, it is crucial that farmers and policymakers take action to mitigate its impact. This includes investing in sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, soil conservation, and water management, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing weather patterns. Additionally, governments must support farmers in vulnerable regions with financial assistance, education, and access to resources to help them adapt to the challenges of climate change.
In conclusion, climate change is having a significant impact on global agriculture, threatening food security and livelihoods around the world. It is crucial that farmers, policymakers, and the international community work together to address the challenges of climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.
