By Charmaine Ndlela
Mathanzima Mweli, Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, has continued with the monitoring and support programme for the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) projects under Batch 4 in the Eastern Cape.
The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative was launched in 2018 and is funded through the School Infrastructure Backlog Grant. Its primary objective is to replace unsafe pit latrines with appropriate and safe sanitation facilities in line with the Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure.
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The SAFE programme focuses on eradicating dangerous pit toilets in schools across the country. As of late 2024, more than 3,100 projects have been completed out of over 3,800 identified schools. The initiative includes the construction of proper flushing toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and in some cases, facilities that are accessible to learners with disabilities.
At L.F. May Primary School in Mbaxa Location, King William’s Town, the impact of the project has is a positive impact in the school with learners showing gratitude and excitement of the new toilets that are safe and clean.
The principal of the school, Sulo Ge, said they are grateful for the new facilities.
“We did receive the toilet project from the Department of Basic Education, and we are very happy and comfortable with it because the old one was a pit toilet and it was dangerous for the children,” said Ge.
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“Now these toilets are much more comfortable. We are happy as a school to receive them, and the children are safe very safe. They are clean and safe.”
According to the department, the current eradication rate stands at 99% of all pit toilets identified during the 2018 SAFE Initiative audit, marking significant progress in improving school infrastructure and ensuring learner safety.
