Picture: The toilet in bad condition/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 September 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Youth Desk in Ngaka Modiri Molema District said it condemns the ‘barbaric’ treatment of the learners at Thuto Boswa Primary School in Makhubung village, near Mahikeng. This comes after learners allegedly being subjected to the highest form of human rights violation.
SANCOYD coordinator, Katlego Mogale said they were summoned by the community of Makhubung to intervene in the matter as they have on multiple occasions confronted the management of the school without foundation. Mogale said ablution facilities are not in good condition.
“Toilets are blocked and they cannot flush. Faeces are exposed and this propagates a bad odour that in return causes serious health risks to learners. It Has been two weeks since this is happening and this kind of exposure causes pathogens to spread into the air, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhoea, cholera, malnutrition etc.
“This is an act of human rights violation. It highlights the poor management and maladministration happening in the school. According to the Constitution of South
Africa, Chapter 2: Bill of Rights, Section 24(a) which states: “Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.”
“Section 28(1) (c) states that: “Every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation”. So, learners are subjected to this and their rights are being exploited and violated. Therefore, we call for intervention from all relevant stakeholders such as the Department of Education and South African Human Rights
Commission (SAHRC),” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Vuyo Matshule said: “The department is aware of the situation at Thuto Boswa Primary School and the matter is receiving attention. The borehole water level has gone down as a result the water is not enough.
“Learners have also thrown stones into the pipes that are at the back of the toilets, blocking the flow system to the septic tank. The challenge has just started on 8 September 2025, and it is receiving attention.”
Matshule further said the situation does expose learners to health hazards but not all the toilets were blocked. He added that the precast toilets were used as an alternative.
“The school has called the parents meeting today to inform them about the challenges that they are facing such as shortage of water, learner discipline and vandalism at the school.
“So, the school is in the meantime buying water from the suppliers. The school has also hired a plumber to try resolving the problem. At the moment, the septic tank has been drained and the school has escalated this matter to the relevant infrastructure division within the department,” said Matshule.
He said the inspector has also visited the school to assess the condition. Matshule said the principal and the School Governing Body (SGB) are working around the clock to repair the toilets.
“The plumber is on site repairing. The school has to buy material, using 10% of Section 21 allocated for minor repairs,” he said.
The Guardian 