Despite ongoing concerns about schools in KwaZulu-Natal that still rely on pit latrines, the provincial Department of Education said significant progress has been made in replacing unsafe sanitation facilities. According to MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka, more than 96% of schools identified for upgrades have been completed, and no schools are using the bucket toilet system. Hlomuka said the province began with 1 377 schools identified in a 2018 audit as requiring urgent sanitation upgrades, including the eradication of pit latrines in line with the national Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) programme.
We can report that more than 96% of these schools have now been completed. Over the past financial years, the department has eradicated unsafe pit latrines at more than 1 310 schools, with construction under way at the remaining 13. Fifty-four schools originally listed have been classified as non-viable as part of the rationalisation and mergers process.
“We also welcome the involvement of civil society organisations and communities that continue to partner with us by identifying remaining risks and ensuring accountability. “The department encourages all stakeholders to use official reporting channels to flag schools where infrastructure may be deteriorating or where temporary measures require upgrading,” he added. One of the schools where pit toilets are still in use is Msimude High School in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, which serves 460 pupils.
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Principal Sandile Duma said the school is still waiting for proper ablution facilities to be installed. “There is a neighbouring school, similar to ours, that also uses pit toilets. We have four facilities for girls and two for boys. We were contacted by an organisation willing to assist us, but we are still waiting for that support to materialise,” Duma said.
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