Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has announced that 93% of identified pit toilets in public schools across South Africa have now been eradicated through the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative.

Gwarube said this represents a significant step toward ensuring all learners have access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities.

Despite ongoing fiscal challenges, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) remains committed to meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa's deadline to eliminate unsafe sanitation in schools by March 31, 2025. Gwarube emphasised that "the eradication of pit toilet infrastructure backlogs remains a non-negotiable priority."

She attributed the progress to the collaborative efforts of national and provincial education departments, the private sector, and development partners, who united to expedite the delivery of safer toilets.

The DBE said they will continue intensifying efforts to ensure full compliance. Gwarube plans site visits in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, the two provinces most affected by poor sanitation infrastructure.

Gwarube said: "This visit will allow for first-hand monitoring of the final phase of implementation and direct engagement with communities, school leadership, and implementing agents to ensure that all remaining projects are completed as scheduled."

While the Minister acknowledged the ongoing challenges, such as budget constraints, infrastructure backlogs, and rising construction costs, she assured that the department remains focused on providing every learner with safe and hygienic sanitation.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) also praised the achievement. Delmaine Christians, DA spokesperson on Basic Education, said, "The DA celebrates news announced in the Parliament's National Council of Provinces, 93% completion so far is demonstrable progress toward all schools being safe for learning, with safe ablution facilities."

Christians highlighted the DA’s long-standing position that "no learner should face the risk of losing their life from dilapidated infrastructure." Christians expressed optimism that the continued progress would lead to further improvements in the education sector.

‘’Earlier this year the Minister shared the good news of improved matric results, and with improved infrastructure now being announced too, we are seeing the fruits of the work of a committed Minister undoing years of neglect,'' said Christians.

Christians also noted that the DA foresees even further improving learning outcomes, by investing in early childhood development, by committing to basics such as reading and numeracy, and by promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.

As the deadline approaches, Gwarube reaffirmed the department's commitment to transparency, promising regular updates on progress.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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