UDM Slams Education Department Over Missed Pit Latrine Deadline

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has condemned the Department of Basic Education for failing to meet its own 31 March 2025 deadline to eliminate pit latrines in public schools across South Africa. The party described the failure as “an extension of a health hazard” that continues to jeopardize the safety and dignity of learners.

In a statement issued by Cllr Yongama Zigebe, Chairperson of the S79 Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities, the UDM said the Department’s continued delays are unacceptable given the risks and the government’s previous commitments.

“This failure is not just a missed deadline, it is an extension of a public health crisis and a hazard to the lives of our children,” said Zigebe.

Although Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has reported that 93% of pit latrines identified in a 2018 audit have been eradicated, civil society groups including SECTION27 have questioned the accuracy of those figures, arguing that many schools—especially in rural areas—remain underserved.

The UDM highlighted that almost 11,000 schools still lack flushing toilets, with many relying on mobile toilets that are neither safe nor sustainable. In some cases, schools reportedly lack enough toilets to accommodate all learners, leading to hygiene concerns and potential health outbreaks.

The UDM is calling for:

• A new, transparent national audit of schools still using pit latrines.
• A clear, time-bound action plan without further deadline extensions.
• An accountability framework to track and report progress.
• Greater collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector.

“The dignity and safety of our children must come first,” said Zigebe. “South Africa cannot afford another broken promise.”