The Department of Basic Education has announced that it has successfully eradicated 96% of pit toilets across the country. These pit toilets were identified in the 2018 audit under the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative.The Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, has today announced that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has successfully eradicated 96% of pit toilets identified in the The milestone was announced by Minister Siviwe Gwarube, during a national event in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.
“In 2018, the government identified 3 372 schools with unsafe pit toilets. Today, only 141 of those identified remain. While this is significant progress, it is not a victory until every learner has access to safe and dignified sanitation,” said Gwarube.
The minister emphasized that this breakthrough is a result of bold government action, unwavering commitment, and strong partnerships.According to SAFE Initiative, Gauteng, Western Cape, and Northern Cape had no schools identified in the 2018 audit, while other provinces had such toilets.North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga,100% eradication.Limpopo, 99.74% eradication (390 of 391 schools completed).KwaZulu-Natal, 96.4% eradication (1,209 of 1,254 schools completed).Eastern Cape, 93.3% eradication (1,343 of 1,439 schools completed).
Gwarube sought to assure the nation that they’re completing the remaining 141 schools, with 90 scheduled for completion by July 2025, pushing the eradication rate beyond 98%.According to the Minister there were delays in donor-funded projects, where only 74% of commitments were met. Due to the delays, the Department has since decided to transfer stalled donor projects to provincial education departments for direct oversight.Inclement weather conditions also delayed some of the projects, including inaccessible rural roads, construction mafia disruptions, and poor contractor performance. The Department said it’ll terminate underperforming contractors and will also strengthen security for project sites.
