Pupils at Ntibaneng Secondary School in Limpopo are facing ongoing challenges due to inadequate sanitation facilities. Located in Sekopung Village outside Burgersfort, the school, which has only 72 pupils, still relies on just one block of four pit toilets shared with teachers. The situation is dire, with many pupils forced to use the bushes when the toilets are occupied, and others are reluctant to use the toilets due to their unhygienic and unsafe conditions.
For girls, the situation is particularly difficult as they are unable to go to the bushes for privacy. “Some of us have to wait until we get home or ask neighbors for help when we can’t hold it any longer,” said one pupil. The pit toilets are also in poor condition, with many students fearing they might collapse or that snakes could enter as there are no doors on the toilets.
In response, the school has hired two mobile toilets, but students and staff agree this is not enough to meet their needs. “We need proper, permanent toilets,” said a pupil. “It’s hard to focus on school when we worry about these basic needs every day.” The lack of facilities is affecting the students’ ability to learn and feel safe at school.
Rebecca Mametja, the former School Governing Body chairwoman, called on the education department to take immediate action, saying the current conditions are unacceptable. The Limpopo Department of Education is aware of the situation, with plans to merge the school due to its low enrolment. However, the lack of agreement among stakeholders has delayed any solution, leaving the school and its pupils in limbo.
