As the country’s independent watchdog on human rights, the SAHRC is tasked with assessing government compliance with constitutional and legislative obligations, particularly in ensuring safe, dignified, and adequate school infrastructure that upholds learners’ rights.

The Commission has long been seized with the issue of widespread pit toilets in schools, actively engaging in monitoring, legal interventions, and advocacy efforts to address this crisis. Despite policy commitments and public concern, the pace, adequacy, and effectiveness of interventions in the Eastern Cape remain key concerns. This report builds on the Commission’s continued efforts to assess and address systemic challenges in school sanitation infrastructure, highlighting areas that require urgent intervention to ensure compliance with constitutional obligations.

The Investigation Report on School Sanitation in the Eastern Cape Province in addition to assessing systemic challenges relating to school sanitation, the report highlights areas where government action remains necessary to meet constitutional standards for safe and appropriate sanitation in schools. Importantly, it also puts forward concrete recommendations aimed at ensuring that all learners, particularly those in rural and under-resourced areas, have access to safe sanitation facilities.

The SAHRC will officially launch the report on 10 February, where it will engage government departments, civil society, and key stakeholders on the findings and the steps needed to ensure meaningful progress. The report will be made available to the public following the launch

The launch event will be held in East London and/or online as per below details, for RSVP please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Date: Monday, 10 February 2025
• Time: 10Hh00am – 12h00am
• Venue: Garden Court East London

ENDS

For further information, contact the SAHRC Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter @ 043 722 7828/072 638 9016 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Zukiswa N Mqakanya @ 043 722 7828 or email on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.