Zakhele Primary School in Upper Tongaat received 18 new sponsored toilets last Thursday, six months after a pupil narrowly escaped death in a pit toilet incident.

The school sought help after the Grade 5 pupil fell through a concrete slab into the pit below the toilet last September. She was rescued by the school principal and rushed to a nearby clinic with serious injuries and thankfully survived.

With no other options available, the school was forced to continue using eight pit toilets, posing a daily risk to the 250 pupils. Walls were cracked, floors were unstable and roofs constantly leaked. Many pupils and staff avoided using the facilities altogether.

Earlier this year, Breadline Africa partnered with Envirosan – with funding from the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) – to replace the facilities. The upgrade unveiled last week includes low-flush toilets, waterless urinals, two accessible toilets for learners with disabilities and new handwashing stations.

PIC head of corporate affairs Deon Botha said they were happy to be involved.

“Last year, the PIC invested R2.49-million in community support programmes to help build safe and conducive learning environments in underprivileged schools,” said Botha.

“Corporate social investment programmes focus on improving public education, including sanitation, learning facilities, socio-economic development, agriculture and environmental sustainability.”

Breadline Africa CEO Marion Wagner said no child should face danger simply to use the toilet at school.

“Replacing pit toilets removes an immediate risk, but the scale of need across South Africa remains significant,” said Wagner.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.