The continued prevalence of pit latrines in South African schools is a serious socio-economic issue that endangers the health and safety of learners. Despite the government’s commitment to eliminate these hazardous facilities under the R6.8 billion Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, progress has been slow and fraught with missed deadlines. In March 2023, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) reported that more than 3,398 schools still relied on pit latrines. With mounting pressure from advocacy groups and communities, there is a growing call for immediate action to restore the dignity and health of learners.
Persistent challenges and a call for accelerated action
The slow rate of pit latrine eradication is attributed to budgetary, logistical, and infrastructural challenges. Funding allocation at a provincial level often sees delays in execution due to bureaucratic red tape, complex tender processes, and financial mismanagement.
Moreover, many affected schools are located in remote, rural areas where finding reputable contractors is a challenge. Local municipalities also struggle with procurement processes that require locally sourced resources, further delaying progress. Advocacy groups consistently highlight the issue of missed deadlines, calling for greater transparency and regular progress updates. These groups are calling for greater accountability.
The role of technology
Despite these challenges, innovative sanitation technologies offer hope and provide safer and more hygienic alternatives to traditional pit latrines.
The Khusela unit features a rotating bowl, a replaceable bladder to prevent waste exposure, and microbiological products that treat waste while eliminating odours. Its elliptical shape optimises space and waste containment, making it ideal for schools. This solution also aims to ensure safety and dignity, especially for school environments where tragic incidents have occurred.
Other technologies also show promise by reducing pathogens and preventing groundwater contamination. An example is in situ treatment methods which include anaerobic digestion (a process where microorganisms break down organic matter without oxygen, producing renewable biogas and nutrient-rich digestate) and solar pasteurisation (using solar energy to kill pathogens).
Furthermore, pour-flush toilets are also being introduced in some regions which allow for more hygienic waste management. However, despite their effectiveness, widespread adoption is hindered by financial and logistical obstacles.
The power of Corporate Social Investment
Given the government’s slow progress, the private sector must step up to bridge the gap. In 2022, South African companies allocated R10.9 billion to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, with half of these funds directed toward education. By channelling a portion of this budget to sanitation infrastructure, corporates can expedite the eradication of pit latrines while enhancing their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings.
CSI initiatives offer the advantage of bypassing bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for faster implementation. By collaborating with reputable sanitation providers, businesses can ensure the effective execution of projects. The Khusela unit, for instance, can be retrofitted to existing Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines, making it a cost-effective and practical upgrade.
Protecting community health and dignity
The health risks posed by pit latrines are undeniable. Poor sanitation enables the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea, with groundwater contamination posing an environmental hazard. Pit latrines also compromise the dignity and safety of vulnerable individuals, especially young children and women.
A shift to safer sanitation alternatives not only mitigates these risks but ensures that learners can focus on their education without health concerns. Addressing sanitation issues is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty, as poor health directly impacts economic productivity.
Towards a cleaner, safer future
Eradicating pit latrines in South African schools requires a multi-faceted approach. While the government must fulfill its commitment to replacing these facilities by the proposed deadlines, the urgency of the situation calls for immediate action. Corporate South Africa, through CSI initiatives, can play a pivotal role in accelerating progress. By investing in innovative, cost-effective solutions, businesses can ensure that no child has to risk their life or dignity to attend school
Sanitation is not merely about infrastructure – it is about safety, dignity and equality; and collaborative efforts between government, corporates, and communities are essential to achieving this goal.