Cape Town – South Africa is on track to eradicate pit latrines in educational facilities ahead of the UN’s 2030 target, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga stated on World Toilet Day, November 19, 2023. This significant achievement is a key aspect of the country’s commitment to improving sanitation and educational development.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, led by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), has been central to this effort. SAFE goes beyond just eliminating pit latrines; it addresses broader issues related to educational infrastructure and well-being. This initiative gained importance amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the progress of sanitary projects in schools.
Sanitation, closely linked to human dignity, plays a crucial role in global health and well-being. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Human Rights Watch emphasize that safe sanitation is essential for health, livelihoods, school attendance, and dignity, leading to resilient communities in healthy environments. The World Bank and The Hunger Project further stress the importance of sanitation in preventing deaths, improving lives, and maintaining human dignity.
The SAFE initiative involves not just replacing outdated pit latrines but overhauling sanitation infrastructure in accordance with school infrastructure norms and standards. This comprehensive approach includes constructing new, appropriate toilets with rainwater harvesting systems and accessible walkways, catering to various age groups and those with disabilities.
Launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2018, the SAFE initiative has been a collaborative effort involving public and private partners, including Amalooloo, Assupol, AVBOB, Norcros, and international entities like the embassies of Korea and the USA. To date, 126 out of 184 pledged projects have been delivered under this initiative.
Complementing SAFE, the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) has completed 1087 sanitation projects, marking a qualitative improvement in the educational experience for millions of disadvantaged children. With 2978 out of 3898 SAFE projects completed since 2019, the initiative also emphasizes hygiene education, ensuring schools maintain high sanitation standards.
The DBE’s commitment to this cause aligns with the United Nations’ directive for sanitation under SDG 6 – aiming for safe toilets and water for all by 2030. With nearly R 3.7 billion spent on this mission, the department is confident of achieving its goals within the next two financial years, demonstrating its dedication to transforming school sanitation in South Africa.
As World Toilet Day highlights the progress made, it also reminds us of the ongoing efforts required to ensure every child has access to safe and dignified sanitation. This right is fundamental to their health, educational success, and future prospects, underlining the inherent right to dignity for all people.
*Angie Motshekga is South Africa’s longest-serving post-1994 Minister of Basic Education.