KZN is largely a rural province, with the majority of our schools in far-flung areas still without proper access to water and sanitation. Many years of ANC rule has also seen access to this basic human right move at a snail’s pace. As a result, our province now finds itself in a dire situation. And, as always, it is our learners who are suffering the most.
In 2021 KZN’s former Education MEC, Kwazi Mshengu, stood at the podium – at the seat of government in our province – and promised that his ANC government would eradicate all pit latrines in the 1 377 schools identified – by the end of 2022.
Two recent horrific incidents, one in the Eastern Cape and the other in Gauteng, saw children drown in these abominable and disgusting structures.
In KZN, I visited a school in the Harry Gwala District with 78 learners and only two teachers. One of the educators told me that she had to leave the classroom each time a very young learner wanted to use a pit latrine and accompany the child. This for fear that he or she might fall in and possibly die.
This is an unacceptable situation. Of further concern is the teaching and learning time being lost as a result. The question is: Who will take responsibility for a death if these cesspits are not done away with? And what has happened to the ANC’s earlier promises that they would be eradicated by the end of last year? As with the other two provinces mentioned, there is no accountability when a child drowns in human waste.
In many schools visited by the DA, we are told that latrines are neither cleaned or drained for up to two years, leaving them unfit for use. Yet, in many cases, learners and others are forced to utilise them simply because there is no other alternative. Then there are schools that have no toilet doors. Such indignity has led to tensions reaching boiling point.
The DA has launched a nationwide process that intends bringing this evil before the courts. We remain relentless in our effort to hold this current ANC-run administration to account. Above all, the people of KZN need to ensure that this incompetent government does not return following the 2024 elections. The reasons for their removal are now more clear than ever before.
DR IMRAN KEEKA, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Education
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