This follows the tragic death of a 20-month-old toddler, Onkutlwile Pholo, who drowned in a pit toilet at his home in Odendaalsrus. After being called to the scene yesterday, police discovered that the yard was not fenced and a hole had been made at the pit toilet, which was also uncovered.

The leader of the DA in the province, Roy Jankielsohn, says incidents like these have become common occurrences in South Africa to the extent that citizens have grown desensitised.

"No child should suffer such a fate. The DA has repeatedly raised concerns about the use of pit toilets in all provinces, but the replies show that little to no progress is being made to eradicate these undignified structures.

"In response to similar incidents in schools, the DA is launching a two-point plan to eliminate school pit toilets across South Africa to prevent any other family from experiencing the tragic indignity endured by the Pholo family."

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Jankielson added that the party will work with civil society organisations, public advocacy groups, and non-government organisations in the education sector to achieve their goal.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family following the death of their child.

OFM News