An investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found that over 400 schools in the Eastern Cape province still use pit toilets, while Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines often fail to meet safety standards. The report highlights the systemic challenges related to sanitation facilities in schools, putting the lives and dignity of South Africa's youngest learners at risk.
The South African Human Rights Commission report found that 427 schools in the Eastern Cape are still using traditional pit toilets while Ventilated Improved Pit latrines failed to meet safety needs. Picture: Dumisani Dube / Independent News papersMore than 400 schools in the Eastern Cape still use pit toilets, while Ventilated Improved Pit latrines fail to accommodate the needs of pupils and expose them to significant safety risks.
The province recently recorded the deaths of three children due to unsafe sanitation facilities, one at a traditional pit toilet at Luna Primary School in Mbizana, and two at VIP toilets at Mcgwagule Primary School in Vaalbank and Little Champions Daycare in Mdantsane. SAFE, meant to provide sufficient sanitation facilities to schools in South Africa, was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.
Carlisle Bridge Farm School in Makanda received the newly built VIP latrines but had not been handed for use, forcing the school to continue using pit toilets. It stated the both VIP and flush toilet systems faced maintenance and operational challenges including shallow trenches, water supply issues, and overcrowding.
SAHRC said despite recommendations, the implementation of VIP latrines under the SAFE programme has fallen short. The commission said while 1 373 of 1 452 projects were completed by 2024/25 at a cost of more than R1.82 billion, the facilities often lacked the WRC-prescribed safety features.
SANITATION SCHOOLS SOUTH AFRICA HUMAN RIGHTS PIT TOILETS
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