Minister Gwarube stands firm on pit toilet promise despite missed deadline

702's Bongani Bingwa is joined by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube.

Listen below:

In November, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube committed to eradicate the use of pit toilets in all schools in South Africa by 31 March 2025.

The deadline came and went, and although the target was not reached, she says she remains committed to her promise.

Later today (Tuesday), the minister will unveil her vision for a brighter future, despite the many challenges facing her sector, such as inadequate funding and a shortage of teachers.

In respect of pit toilets, Gwarube admits that progress has been slow.

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"Yes, of course, I would have loved to have reported to South Africa that we have eradicated 100% of that backlog. We are currently sitting at 97%."

- Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Department of Basic Education

"When I came into office a year ago, we were sitting at 92%"

- Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Department of Basic Education

"It is unconscionable to me that there are children and teachers who still go to schools that have pit toilets."

- Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Department of Basic Education

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Another pressing challenge is South Africa's poor literacy rate.

About 80% of South Africa's grade three learners are unable to read at the grade-level standard.

Do we have a plan to deal with this, asks Bingwa.

"Absolutely. This is a national crisis."

- Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Department of Basic Education

Gwarube says we should focus on learner readiness for grade one as much as we do on matric results.

"We know that if we miss them at the foundation, they're unlikely to catch up."

- Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Department of Basic Education

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.