Ongoing struggle for sanitation in South African public schools

THIRTY years post-democracy, we are still fighting for improved sanitation facilities and infrastructure at public schools in South Africa.

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Countries such as Tunisia and Egypt have been in the lead in relation to school refurbishment and access to sanitation and the basic amenities at their schools for their learners.

The Education Minister publicly declared that by the end of March 2025, all pit toilets in public schools will be replaced by up-flush toilets and these schools would be refurbished with running water.

Then there are schools that still do not have a single flushing toilet and there are others that are on the waiting list for the removal of pit toilets. The number of schools that still lack bathrooms and kitchens are numerous and a constant threat to the well-being of our children and educators.

Unfortunately, schools in rural areas that were previously disadvantaged due to the apartheid regulations are the ones that remain with pit toilets. Approximately more than 1 000 schools in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo still lack up-flush toilets and are utilising pit toilets.

The inequality between public schools in various provinces is evident as public schools in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and Free State all have operational up-flush toilets.