Tshapasha Primary SGB seek intervention over pit toilets

Learning and teaching at Tshapasha Primary School was recently disrupted by parents and members of the SGB out of concern for their children's safety given the ablution facilities at the school.

No toilets, no school! is the stance of some parents and the SGB at Tshapasha Primary School. Thinawanga Netshivhungululu and Dora Ndou, with SGB chairperson, Khathutshelo Radzilani at the back, with Hendrick Nemutavhanani, Nelson Netshilonwe, Tendani Mbulawa, and Lindelani Shotheli.

LIMPOPO – The School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson of Tshapasha Primary School, Khathutshelo Radzilani said parents and members of the SBG feel there is imminent danger that learners can fall into the old and dilapidated pit toilets on the school premises.

“We have written many letters to the circuit manager in Mutale, informing him of the danger of learners using these toilets. In August 2012 a girl fell into one of the toilets and sustained serious injuries, and this matter was mentioned in one of our letters sent to the circuit manager, but nothing has been done to resolve the matter.”

SGB chairperson, Khathutshelo Radzilani shows a hole in the pit latrine toilet that raised concern with parents and SGB.

According to Radzilani, they have engaged with government starting at circuit level and the Department of Education, with little success.

“Teachers are the ones using the modern toilets, while learners must use the pit toilets. Some learners relieve themselves in the nearby bushes, which might be dangerous too,” added Radzilani.

You might also want to read: Outa says NLC failed in delivering proper toilets to eight schools in Limpopo

When members of media visited the school last Tuesday, the gates to the school were closed with placards stating ‘No toilets, No school’.

The SGB and parents said they hope that the Education MEC should urgently intervene as the closure of the school will mean that, no learning and teaching will be conducted.

One of the parents, Tendani Mbulawa said she is worried that her children are not being taught, but she is equally worried about their safety if they have no proper toilets to use.

Meanwhile, in a letter dated July 25 and signed by the head of the Department of Education, Onica Dederen, it was stated that with regard to water and sanitation infrastructure, the project at Tshapasha Primary School is part of 205 schools to be allocated to a trust for repairs and upgrades.

Construction of new facilities is expected to start in the third quarter of this financial year.

According to Education spokesperson Mike Maringa, representatives from the department held a meeting with parents and the SGB on Thursday, where all parties agreed that teaching and learning should commence.

“The department is aware of the water and sanitation infrastructure situation at the school, and while waiting for the project to start, the school will receive mobile toilets for the learners to use.”

The parents and SGB agreed on condition that they will monitor progress on the promises made by the department.