NATIONAL NEWS - Parents in the Mopani District in Limpopo say they have given up hope that the provincial education department will install safe and hygienic toilets at their children’s schools.
Last year, the High Court in Limpopo handed down judgement in the “Michael Komape trial” compelling the state to provide a list of schools with pit toilets along with plans to eradicate them within 90 days and to report every six months on progress.
Michael Komape was five years old when he drowned in a pit toilet at his school near Polokwane in 2014. His death caused an outrage and put the use of pit toilets in some 1,500 schools across the province under scrutiny.
Earlier this month, we visited primary and high schools in Mpepule, Ga-Abel, Ga-Kgapane, Madibeng, Moohokoni and Lekgawereng. All of them still use pit latrines.
Mahekgwe
At Mahekgwe primary school near Bolobedu learners share three pit toilets and seven mobile toilets. The pit toilets are uncovered.
“We tried so many times to speak to the Department of Education to assist us to close these open pits. I just hope nothing bad happens one day because we are dealing with young children,” said principal Shadrack Moshia.
He said the school has 100 learners and four teachers.
Rosina Thele, whose grandchild is in grade 4, said it felt as though the government had forgotten about learners in Mahekgwe.
The school is dilapidated – the roof rusting and windows broken. Meals for learners are cooked in a shack.
Mohookone
At Mohookone primary school, there were four pit toilets used by both girls and boys. There were faeces and urine on the seats and floor of the stalls.
“These toilets were built by the community years back. The children have been using them for years and we have no choice … New toilets are still being built as you can see,” said principal Frank Itswene, pointing to a construction site on the grounds.
School governing body chairperson Eddie Machete accused provincial officials and MEC Polly Boshielo of “failing us because these are not good toilets for children”.
