The primary objective of the SAFE initiative is to replace basic pit toilets with appropriate sanitation in accordance with the Norms and Standards for school infrastructure.  The number of toilet seats to be provided is determined by the learner enrolment.  Such number of seats must include age-appropriate facilities in primary schools, as well as facilities for the disabled in all schools. The scope of work includes the following:

• Assessment of existing sanitation infrastructure
• De-sludging of the existing pit toilets
• Demolition of the existing pit toilets
• Construction of appropriate toilets
• Provision of rainwater harvesting tanks
• Construction of walkways

Of the 3 898 schools on the project list, 969 schools were assessed and found to have adequate sanitation, while a further 126 schools were found to have been closed. The remaining schools on the list have been allocated as follows:

• A total of 1 026 schools have been allocated to Implementing Agents:
  • 424 school were allocated to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
  • 58 schools were allocated to Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)
  • 222 schools were allocated to the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT)
  • 322 schools were allocated to The Mvula Trust (TMT)
• A total of 1005 schools are addressed under other programmes:
  • 124 of the schools are covered through Donations and Partnerships
  • 68 of the schools are covered under the ASIDI programme
  • 813 of the schools are covered under the Provincial Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) programme