Basic Education Minister, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, briefed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 11 March 2025, in Cape Town, providing a comprehensive update on the state of school infrastructure in South Africa. The Minister outlined progress made in addressing infrastructure backlogs, including the construction and refurbishment of school facilities, the provision of electricity, water and sanitation, and the rollout of modern learning environments to support quality education.

“Far too many learners still face daily risks to their health and safety because of inadequate school infrastructure. No child should have to use a dilapidated or dangerous toilet, sit on the floor without a desk, or study in a crumbling school building that poses a threat to their well-being,” said the Minister. She informed the NCOP that an estimated R129 billion is required to address the critical infrastructure backlog currently affecting schools across the country. This urgent need for funding underscores the pressing challenges facing the sector, where inadequate infrastructure continues to hinder effective teaching and learning. The backlog includes the eradication of unsafe pit latrines, the replacement of mud schools and unsafe structures, and the provision of essential infrastructure such as desks, proper sanitation, classrooms, and fencing to ensure that all learners have a safe and conducive learning environment.

Despite the fiscal constraints facing the country, the urgent need for investment in school infrastructure cannot be ignored. The Department remains committed to working with National Treasury, provincial governments, the private sector and development partners to accelerate progress in delivering safe, functional, and dignified learning spaces for all South African learners.

The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative has now successfully eradicated over 93% of identified pit toilets in public schools across the country. This significant milestone marks a critical step toward ensuring that all learners have access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities. Despite the severe fiscal constraints facing the basic education sector, the Department has remained resolute in its commitment to meeting the deadline set by President Cyril Ramaphosa to eradicate unsafe sanitation in schools by 31 March 2025. The progress made thus far reflects the collaborative efforts of national and provincial education departments, the private sector, and development partners who have played a crucial role in fast-tracking the delivery of safer toilets.

Whilst substantial strides have been made, the Minister announced that the DBE will intensify efforts to ensure full compliance and she will conduct site visits in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, the two provinces most affected by the legacy of unsafe sanitation infrastructure. The Minister’s visits will allow for first-hand monitoring of the final phase of implementation and direct engagement with communities, school leadership, and implementing agents to ensure that all remaining projects are completed as scheduled.

The Department acknowledges the ongoing challenges posed by budget constraints, infrastructure backlogs, and rising construction costs. However, the eradication of the pit toilet infrastructure backlog remains a non-negotiable priority, and all efforts are being made to ensure that every learner in South Africa has access to safe and hygienic school sanitation. The Department will continue to provide regular updates on progress as the 31 March deadline approaches, and remains committed to transparency and accountability in delivering on this critical mandate.