The Sanitation Appropriate for Education initiative has eradicated over 93% of identified pit toilets in public schools nationwide.

This was revealed by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube in Parliament yesterday, where senior department officials presented an analysis of the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said this milestone marks a critical step toward ensuring all learners have access to safe and dignified sanitation.

“Despite the severe fiscal constraints facing the basic education sector, the department has remained resolute in its commitment to meeting the deadline set by President Cyril Ramaphosa to eradicate unsafe sanitation in schools by March 31.

“The progress made thus far reflects the collaborative efforts of national and provincial education departments, the private sector, and development partners who have played a crucial role in fast-tracking the delivery of safer toilets,” the department said.

While substantial strides have been made, the minister announced that the DBE will intensify efforts to ensure full compliance. She will conduct site visits in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, the two provinces most affected by unsafe sanitation infrastructure.

The minister’s visits will allow for first-hand monitoring of the final phase of implementation and direct engagement with communities, school leadership, and implementing agents to ensure all remaining projects are completed as scheduled.

“The department acknowledges the ongoing challenges posed by budget constraints, infrastructure backlogs, and rising construction costs.

“However, the eradication of pit toilet infrastructure backlog remains a non-negotiable priority, and all efforts are being made to ensure that every learner in South Africa has access to safe and hygienic school sanitation,” the department said.

The DBE added that it will continue to provide regular updates as the March 31 deadline approaches, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability in delivering this mandate. – SAnews.gov.za

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