JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Access to Toilet Facilities in South Africa: The Case of eThekwini Municipality and the City of Cape Town.

  • Published In: Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.), 2026, v. 61, n. 2. P. 1055 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Duba, Vuyolethu; Nsengiyumva, Philomene 3 of 3

Abstract

This study investigates the demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing household heads' access to toilet facilities in eThekwini Municipality and the City of Cape Town, South Africa, using data from the 2019 General Household Survey. Findings indicate significant associations between access to improved sanitation and variables such as gender, age, population group, education, and income, with male, older, White, higher-educated, and higher-income household heads generally having better access. Despite overall high access to toilet facilities, disparities persist, including a higher prevalence of unimproved toilets in Cape Town and greater open defecation in eThekwini. The study highlights the need for targeted municipal interventions to address these inequalities, improve sanitation infrastructure, and promote equitable access to enhance public health and dignity.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.). 2026/03, Vol. 61, Issue 2, p1055
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geography and Cartography
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0021-9096
  • DOI:10.1177/00219096241303942
  • Accession Number:192177492
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.) is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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