Tackling inequality one flush at a time

BEING able to inspire others and bring about meaningful change in other peoples’ lives is something Durban North resident, Claire de Sylva, is passionate about. De Sylva recently started a project called Project Loo Durban, an NPO aimed at providing dry sanitation toilets to thousands of residents in Inanda.

Northglen News recently caught up with the former Our Lady of Fatima learner to find out where it all started.

Besides founding the NPO, De Sylva has also been, in the past, involved in raising awareness for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) by running races and Comrades Marathons for the past three years dedicated to the organisation.

“I did do a little bit for charity at school but not to the extent I’ve done now. I remember winning the ‘Everybody Must Love Each Other’ award in my matric year, so I’ve always been trying to make things right in a sense. I had all these ideas in my heart to make changes where it was needed most but I didn’t know I could do what I’m doing now. Since launching Project Loo I now have the platform to change peoples’ lives,” she said.

De Sylva said having access to flushable toilets remains a luxury for a small minority while millions of South Africans, who use either the bucket system, pit latrines (long drops) or chemical toilets are still without access to proper flushable loos.

“I was at my friend, Deli Mhlongo’s home in Umzinyathi, Inanda. I needed the loo and she took me to literally, a hole in the ground, with a wooden structure nailed together around it. It struck me then, not only did she not have access to water, but that meant a flushable toilet too. For so many of us we are disconnected to this type of pain and suffering, it’s until you see someone you love in that position that you realise.

“She told me her family has to walk for more than 700 metre to collect water. Driving home I was completely devastated, I couldn’t actually sleep that night. I was determined to change the situation. The next day, I went back to Deli’s home with my very supportive boyfriend, Nick Hewer, to formulate a plan to make a change for Deli and ultimately the community,” she said.

De Sylva, who is training for this year’s Comrades Marathon has been doing some of her training runs with a toilet seat fixed to her torso, she had planned to run this year’s Comrades with the prop but was told she couldn’t.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to run with my toilet seat but I’m going to do this year’s Comrades with Project Loo in my heart and try and raise more awareness for what we do. We are still looking for runners that would like to help us do one last push to raise some funds and run their Comrades for our initiative.

“Since launching our Facebook page, we’ve been blessed with a phenomenal response and we’ve been able to raise enough to install a toilet that costs R12 000 and Conloo very generously sponsored another toilet free. So we have changed the lives of two families already.”

To support the initiative visit the Project Loo Facebook page or contact Claire directly at projectloodurban@gmail.com.”

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with local news or send us your name on WhatsApp: at 060 532 5532.

Knowing Claire de Sylva

Name five words that best describe you: “I would say, clumsy, stubborn, loyal, hardworking and kind.

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? “To be honest most of the time I’m always going through all of my mental to-do lists. But I try to force myself quite often to also just slow down and take in the world around me, smile at people. I never listen to the radio either, it’s too annoying and distracting.”

What makes you angry? “Children of all ages not buckled in when in a moving car (yes, im that woman that will hoot at you if I see that!) and general disregard for each other as the human race, I wish we’d all be kinder to one another.
And cancer makes my furious.”

Name one thing we don’t know about you: “That’s a tough one, but I used to re-draw my Dr Seuss books and write poetry.”

What is your strongest family memory? “I am seriously blessed with an incredible family so there are many, but one moment that will live with me forever is the very last time I saw my mom. I told her I loved her about five times before she drove away when she dropped me off at a taebo lesson, for some reason I just couldn’t close the passenger door. But we laughed and as she drove off she looked back and smiled the biggest smile at me. I will cherish that last moment with her forever, it has brought me immense peace.”

Community Heroes

Jodie’s journey to inspire others (Hero 14)

Dale’s daring plan for change (Hero 13)

Tracey’s pawsporous mission (Hero 12)

Farrah’s endless love for furry friends (Hero 11)

Gordon is ‘udderly’ incredible (Hero 10)

Rising from the ashes with hope and love (Hero 9)

You don’t have to face the tragedy solo (Hero 8)

An advocate of the counter narrative (Hero 7)

Alison’s altruism shines through (Hero 6)

Bonni’s brave adventure brings hope (Hero 5)

Carol van Tonder: A lady for any Crisis (Hero 4)

Jason Ssserves the community (Hero 3)

Tyron’s aim is community safety (Hero 2)

Gary lives for his true calling (Hero 1)