Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has reiterated his government’s commitment to eliminating pit toilets in schools across the province, describing the sanitation backlog as a matter of dignity and learner safety.
Delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA), Mabuyane acknowledged that while progress has been made in improving school infrastructure, unsafe sanitation facilities remain a serious concern in some rural and under-resourced areas.
He said the provincial government, working with the national Department of Basic Education and other stakeholders, is accelerating efforts to replace pit latrines with proper, safe sanitation facilities.
“No child should have to risk their life simply to use a toilet at school. This is about restoring dignity and ensuring a safe learning environment for all our learners,” Mabuyane said.
The Premier noted that infrastructure delivery remains one of the province’s key priorities, with a focus on upgrading classrooms, sanitation facilities, water supply and electricity at public schools.
The issue of pit toilets has drawn national attention in recent years following tragic incidents in which learners lost their lives after falling into unsafe structures. Government has since committed to eradicating such facilities through targeted infrastructure programmes.
Mabuyane said funding has been allocated to fast-track sanitation projects, particularly in deep rural communities, and that strict oversight mechanisms are being implemented to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
He added that improving school infrastructure forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen education outcomes in the province.
“Our children deserve safe, dignified and conducive spaces to learn. We will not rest until we have eliminated unsafe sanitation facilities from our schools,” Mabuyane said.
No tags for this post.
