The department confirms about 3 898 schools were dependent on pit toilets and the scope of work now stands at 2 753. The department says it is working on measures to accelerate the provision of adequate sanitation facilities through the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE). 

It is further confirmed that the bulk of pit latrines in schools are found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Free State. 

The statement by the department comes over a week since Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga told OFM News they plan to have all pit latrines eradicated by the end of 2022. 

Addressing the media over Covid-19 regulations at the Botlehadi Primary School in Bloemfontein, where she was monitoring compliance, Motshekga said poor sanitation at schools is still a major cause of concern. She vowed to prioritise adequate sanitation at schools across the country. Her commitment came amidst growing concerns over inadequate sanitation at schools with education lobby groups - Equal Education and Section 27 - dragging the department to court. The department now says they are making progress with the eradication of pit latrines and is certain that they will soon be eradicated.

OFM News