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Over 3 000 SA schools have nothing but pit latrines

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Dear MyPE

The failing ANC has violated the human rights of children in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.

This follows after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) agreed there is prima facie evidence of human rights violations at the Myolwa Senior Primary School in KwaNyathi village, Lusikisiki.

Last month, before conducting an oversight inspection at the school, I filed a complaint against the Eastern Cape Department of Education with the SAHRC for failing to provide adequate toilet facilities and sanitation, classrooms and resources for learners.

The school has only four crumbling prefab classrooms and limited resources.

The principal informed us that two grades have to share one classroom. To relieve the space issue and when weather allows, learners are being taught outside.

The Department made R4,8 million available to construct buildings containing 23 pit toilets.

Millions have already been spent on 9 pit toilets that are too big and definitely unsafe for 5- and 6-year-olds at the school.

The building that houses the 9 new pit toilets is also a prime example of shoddy workmanship and the misuse of public funds. An additional 14 pit toilets are now being dug.

The older and even more dangerous pit toilets are extremely unhygienic. These toilets are apparently out of bounds, but it was very clear that they are being used. (see picture here)

Over 3 000 schools across South Africa still have nothing but pit latrines.

In March 2018 five-year-old Lumka Mketwa drowned in a pit toilet at Luna Primary School in Bizana in the Eastern Cape.

Shortly afterwards, in November 2018, a five-year-old girl narrowly escaped drowning in human waste when she fell into a pit toilet at the Dalibango Primary School in Centane.

In response to a parliamentary question in March 2018, the EC Education Department said that there are still 3 088 schools in the Eastern Cape that have insufficient sanitation. This means that nearly 60% of schools and learners in the province are forced to make use of unhealthy sanitation facilities.

The DA will continue to champion for the human rights of all South Africans.

Only a DA government can provide a quality education whilst safeguarding our children, fight corruption, speed up basic service delivery and build One South Africa for All.

Regards

Nqaba Bhanga
DA EC Premier Candidate

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