On World Toilet Day, South Africa is once again facing scrutiny over its efforts to improve sanitation in schools. While the government has made strides in reducing the number of pit toilets, access to safe, functional sanitation remains a significant challenge. The SAFE initiative (Sanitation Appropriate for Education) aims to eradicate the remaining pit toilets by March 2025, with a target of replacing 230 pit latrines in public schools. Despite progress, recurring water shortages and logistical issues have slowed the pace of change.
The Department of Basic Education has committed to removing all pit toilets and replacing them with safer alternatives. Spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa highlighted that regular assessments are conducted to identify schools still reliant on pit latrines. Since taking office, Minister Siviwe Gwarube has prioritized this issue, ensuring transparency, rigorous monitoring, and regular site visits to hold contractors accountable. The goal is clear: to eliminate all identified pit toilets by the end of March 2025.
Despite a significant budget allocation of R4.3 billion over the past four years, the financial constraints faced by the sector have raised concerns. R922 million has been allocated for the current financial year to complete the remaining work. Minister Gwarube emphasized that provincial education departments must also prioritize sanitation as part of their infrastructure maintenance, ensuring that no school is left behind.
However, critics such as Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane argue that more needs to be done. According to Bosa, over 10,000 schools lack flushing toilets, and 383 schools still do not have running water. Maimane called this a violation of students’ dignity and a stark reminder of the deep inequalities within South Africa’s education system. The failure to meet deadlines for replacing pit toilets reflects ongoing challenges in achieving equal access to basic sanitation for all students.
