Why are schoolchildren still drowning in pit toilets?
Because the regulations on minimum norms and standards for school infrastructure haven't been implemented.
Requiring the eradication of pit toilets?
Yes.
Published by the minister in 2013?
That is correct.
Didn't the SAHRC issue a report in 2014 instructing her to submit plans and timelines for their eradication asap?
Yes. We published our latest report in June 2021 and sent a letter of demand to the minister in respect of the plan and timelines for the eradication. Still today we have not received that.
The latest in 10 years and still waiting?
Yes. There have been earlier initiatives. Our plan now is to write to the minister and MECs and request the latest information per school in respect of pit latrines. This time it will be a PAIA (promotion of access to information act) request.
Isn't it a problem that when your deadlines are missed you shift the goalposts instead of holding them accountable?
What we will do now if we do not receive the information we request within the time frame is approach the court to compel the minister to comply. If we are not happy with the pace at which the pit latrines are eradicated, we will take further legal action. We are now on that course.
Almost 10 years after five-year-old Michael Komape drowned in a pit latrine?
Yes. It has taken much too long for the government to eradicate them.
Does it seem the government really cares if children keep drowning in pit latrines?
That is not a question to put to me. What we are trying to do is push the government to put an end to pit latrines.
Has the minister paid any attention to you at all?
We believe some of our interventions have pushed her to move faster, but we're at the point now where we will take legal action if we're not satisfied with the DBE's progress.
Has the DBE released its 2022 education infrastructure report yet, with the stats about pit toilets you requested?
Not as far as I know.
Didn't the minister commit to this by the end of the financial year?
Yes. It now appears it will only be done in the new financial year. So the goalposts keep shifting and we have a huge problem with that.
Why haven't you subpoenaed her as you're empowered to?
We don't think that will get us the information we need so we and other civil society organisations can monitor the situation.
And if she keeps ignoring you?
Then we'll go to court.
Why only now? Didn't you give her until 2016 to eradicate pit toilets?
We believe if we're not satisfied with her response to this PAIA request then we'll be in the best position to approach the court.
Hasn't she been in contempt of court before?
Yes, there might indeed be instances where the DBE is in contempt, but if so, contempt of court steps can be taken, which we will do if necessary.
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