Cape Town — Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube said eradicating pit toilets at all schools remains her priority as the department has already replaced 93% of identified pit toilets.
Gwarube reported that the milestone was completed under the sanitation appropriate for education (SAFE) initiative and that the department is on track to ensure all pupils have access to dignified facilities, TimesLIVE reported.
President Cyril Ramaphosa set a deadline of 31 March to eradicate unsafe sanitation in schools by 31 March. Gwarube said 259 sanitation projects needed to be completed by that date.
“The progress made thus far reflects the collaborative efforts of national and provincial education departments, the private sector and development partners who have played a crucial role in fast-tracking the delivery of safer toilets,” she said.
She said the department would intensify efforts to ensure compliance and will visit Eastern Cape and Limpopo, as the two provinces most affected by unsafe sanitation infrastructure.
“The eradication of the pit toilet infrastructure backlog remains a non-negotiable priority,” she added.
‼️Over 93% of all pit toilets have been eradicated.
The progress made thus far reflects the collaborative efforts of national and provincial education departments,
the private sector, and development partners who have played a crucial role in fast-tracking the delivery of safer… pic.twitter.com/eeWBxGhd5l— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) March 11, 2025
According to The Citizen, Gwarube said the department needed R129 billion to address all infrastructure backlog at public schools. She said the urgent need for funding showcased the challenges facing the sector, where inadequate infrastructure affects teaching and learning.
“The backlog includes the eradication of unsafe pit latrines, the replacement of mud schools and unsafe structures, and the provision of essential infrastructure such as desks, proper sanitation, classrooms, and fencing to ensure that all pupils have a safe and conducive learning environment,” she said.
Gwarube said budgetary constraints were not the only challenge for the basic education sector but also across the country. She also addressed the VAT increase and the constraints, and it would have devastating effects on millions of South Africans.
“At a time when many households are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, raising VAT would push our most vulnerable citizens into deeper levels of poverty, desperation, and hopelessness,” Gwarube said.
The Minister added that there are too many pupils who face daily health and safety risks due to inadequate schooling, and it was committed to working alongside the National Treasury, provincial governments and the private sector to ensure safe and functional learning spaces for pupils.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
