The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report found that 427 schools in the Eastern Cape are still using traditional pit toilets while Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines failed to meet safety needs. Picture: Dumisani Dube / Independent Newspapers
More than 400 schools in the Eastern Cape still use pit toilets, while Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines fail to accommodate the needs of pupils and expose them to significant safety risks.
An investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found that traditional pit toilets remain a grim reality in 427 schools in the province, while VIP latrines often fail to meet the safety needs of pupils.
The SAHRC said this dual failure continues to put the lives and dignity of South Africa’s youngest learners at risk.
The province recently recorded the deaths of three children due to unsafe sanitation facilities, one at a traditional pit toilet at Luna Primary School in Mbizana, and two at VIP toilets at Mcgwagule Primary School in Vaalbank and Little Champions Daycare in Mdantsane.
The commission said while the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) programme has replaced many traditional pit toilets, these replacements were frequently non-compliant with critical and safety standards outlined in the 2016 Water Research Commission (WRC) guidelines.
Features such as smaller pedestals, protective handles, offset pits, and reinforced structures, specifically recommended to ensure the safety of young children, are glaringly absent in many VIP installations.
SAHRC said this oversight has resulted in VIPs posing risks similar to the facilities they were meant to replace, eroding public trust in the state’s commitment to eradicating unsafe sanitation.
SAFE, meant to provide sufficient sanitation facilities to schools in South Africa, was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.
SAHRC said the report revealed systemic challenges related to traditional pit toilets, VIP latrines, and even flush toilets.
Department of Basic Education (BDE) spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the department was studying the report and would provide a detailed response in the next few days.
The report indicated that the situation was dire in schools such as Upper Gqumashe Lower Primary School, Yamala Primary School in Alice, and Sondaba Senior Primary School in Mount Fletcher. These schools relied on traditional pit toilets, which were deemed unsafe and inappropriate.
At Khiba Junior Secondary School, the commission found VIP latrines that had been built over a decade ago. However, these latrines were designed with large seats, making them unsuitable for small learners in the Foundation Phase.
The flush toilets were non-functional due to ongoing water supply challenges at ST Mary’s Senior Primary School in Herschel. This forced learners to use pit toilets.
The report also highlighted that many schools, even those with new sanitation facilities, lacked age-appropriate features and sufficient privacy, undermining the dignity and safety of learners.
It stated that both VIP and flush toilet systems faced maintenance and operational challenges including shallow trenches, water supply issues, and overcrowding.
“The continued existence of traditional pit toilets in South African schools is a glaring indictment of the state’s failure to meet its constitutional obligations,” read the report.
The SAHRC said despite recommendations, the implementation of VIP latrines under the SAFE programme has fallen short. The commission said while 1 373 of 1 452 projects were completed by 2024/25 at a cost of more than R1.82 billion, the facilities often lacked the WRC-prescribed safety features.
The commission added that negligence and a lack of adequate supervision also played a role.
It said the continued reliance on unsafe sanitation facilities in schools constitutes a systemic violation of learners’ constitutional rights.
“These violations persist despite clear legislative and judicial directives, policy frameworks, and expert recommendations,” said SAHRC.
Cape Times