UAT Takes Department of Basic Education to Court Over Pit Toilet Eradication Failures

eNCA

30-04-2025

JOHANNESBURG - The United Africans Transformation Party is planning to sue the Basic Education Department over its failure to eradicate pit latrines in South African Schools. The party is demanding the department provide safe and sanitary sanitation facilities for all school pupils. It says children have the right to learn in environments that do not compromise their health and dignity.
The issue of school pit latrines has been ongoing since 2013, when the National Norms and Standards for Infrastructure banned them. Despite this, eradication deadlines were extended repeatedly. First to 2016 and then pushed to 2020. UAT spokesperson, Mighty Mabule, is concerned.
'The Department of Basic Education has violated our children's rights to a safe and dignified learning environment. The pit toilets are unsafe and unsanitary, which can lead to serious health issues. We have experienced tragic losses, such as the death of Michael Komape and other children in the Eastern Cape. NGOs have also indicated that the actual number of deaths may be higher due to underreporting in rural areas, as the community members often lack clear reporting channels,' he said.
Limpopo Education Department Statistics from January 2023, show nearly 66,000 pupils in 210 schools relied solely on pit toilets. This is a notable improvement from December 2021, when 116,299 students in 363 schools depended on pit latrines. However, only 42% of Priority 1 schools—those identified as having only pit toilets—have had work completed or toilets deemed adequate.
Despite progress, concerns remain about ongoing risks. Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, admitted that her department had not met its 31 March 2025, deadline to eradicate all pit toilets. Speaking at Mavhunga Primary School in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, she announced that 96% of pit toilets identified in the 2018 Safe Initiative audit had been eradicated, leaving 141 schools still with unsafe facilities.
UAT is calling for judicial intervention.
'Our legal team is preparing the case, making sure all consultations are done so that when we submit, it is a strong case. We will keep the public informed through our social media channels about developments' Mabule said.
He further criticised government's inaction saying the Basic Education Department has violated children's rights to safe and dignified learning.
Education expert, Hendrick Makaneta, highlighted the severity of the problem, particularly in provinces like Limpopo and Eastern Cape, where infrastructure is a significant challenge.
'Many schools are in areas where communities rely on pit toilets. The government alone cannot resolve this issue, especially given recent budget cuts and austerity measures affecting all departments,' he said.
As the fight for safe school sanitation intensifies, many are calling for urgent intervention to protect the rights, health, and dignity of South Africa's children.
- By Tshenolo Khaile