16/06/2026
DEPARTMENT OF TERTIARY EDUCATION FINANCING COMMEMORATES THE DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD
Today DTEF staff members joined the continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child under the theme, "Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa “. The day of the African child/June 16 is observed annually to honor the memory of the Soweto Uprising in 1976 where black school going children marched in protest against poor quality of education and imposition of Afrikaans as medium of instruction.
When addressing staff, Student Placement Officer in the Department of Tertiary Education Financing, Ms. Gonaya Sedumedi said that the theme highlights the importance of providing every child with access to clean water, safe sanitation facilities and proper hygiene practices. She went on to say that access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (wash) are fundamental human rights and are essential for children's health, education, protection, and overall development. She also said that water, sanitation, and hygiene are closely linked and collectively contribute to the well-being of children as follows:
Clean and safe water is essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining good health. Without access to safe water, children are vulnerable to waterborne diseases and poor health outcomes.
Sanitation- Sanitation refers to the provision of safe toilets and proper waste management systems. Adequate sanitation helps prevent the spread of diseases and promotes dignity and privacy for children.
Hygiene- Hygiene includes practices such as handwashing with soap, maintaining personal cleanliness, and keeping surroundings clean. Good hygiene prevents infections and promotes healthy living.
Ms. Sedumedi went on to say that access to water, sanitation, and hygiene are important because they improve children's health and reduces disease which leads to low mortality rates, supports children's physical and mental development and promote dignity, especially for a girl child. She further said that despite significant progress in many African countries, several challenges remain such as limited access to clean drinking water in some communities, inadequate sanitation facilities in schools and public places, climate change and recurring droughts affecting water availability and poverty and inequality limiting access to essential services.
She reminded all that this year’s theme must be a reminder to all that access to clean water, safe sanitation, and proper hygiene is not a privilege but a basic human right and through teamwork healthy communities, improved educational outcomes, thus ensuring that every African child grows up with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
