Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi MPL soundbites in English and IsiZulu
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) conducted an oversight inspection at Umzila Primary School (view here) in Dannhauser yesterday, following the tragic death of a 6-year-old boy on 6 August.
According to reports, the young boy slipped away from the Grade R dismissal line and was playing near the school toilets (view here) when he fell into an underground septic tank that had not been properly cordoned off or secured. The school has since taken steps to block off the area and cover the tank with metal sheets and rocks (view here) however, the incident highlights the ongoing dangers of unsafe sanitation at our schools.
During our oversight, we met with the principal and the School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson. We found Umzila Primary to be a neat, well-managed school. This makes the incident all the more tragic, as it reflects the systemic infrastructure failures that continue to place learners at risk across our province.
This tragedy underscores why Minister Siviwe Gwarube’s national programme to eradicate pit latrines is essential. While the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has achieved 97% eradication nationally, KZN remains behind, with 254 schools – approximately 4% of all schools in the province – still using pit toilets. Every one of those schools represents children who are at risk, and every delay in addressing this is a risk too great.
The DA has formally written to Acting KZN Education portfolio committee chairperson, Hlengiwe Mavimbela, requesting that a full report on this incident be tabled at the September committee meeting. We also call on all authorities to expedite their investigations so that the Kunene family can receive the closure they deserve.
The DA commends members of the private sector who have already reached out to assist uMzila Primary and other schools in the Dannhauser area following our oversight inspection. Public-private partnerships and community donations will play a crucial role in helping accelerate the eradication of unsafe infrastructure and keeping our learners safe.
The DA, as a key member of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), will continue to track the province’s progress against the goal of eradicating pit toilets and will hold provincial government accountable for delivering on this. The safety and dignity of our learners cannot be compromised.
Our thoughts remain with the Kunene family, as well as the educators and learners of Umzila Primary during this painful time.