The parents of a Limpopo learner who died in a pit toilet want the Basic Education Department to abide by the Polokwane High Court judgment. The judgment compels the department to revise its plans towards completely eradicating pit toilets.
Michael Komape died in a school pit toilet at Chebeng village outside Polokwane seven years ago.
Michael’s parents, James and Rosina Komape, say they welcome the verdict in favour of the family and rights organisation, Section 27.
In a ruling, Judge Gerrit Muller ordered the Limpopo Education Department to release a list of all schools that still use pit toilets within 90 days.
The department wouldn’t comment except to say that it has noted the judgment.
The Komapes say although Michael’s death remains painful seven years on, his death was not in vain.
“If Michael hadn’t passed away, the Department of Education couldn’t have been aware of the seriousness of building toilets for learners at schools after he fell in the pit toilet. They realised the importance of safe toilets at schools. There are a lot of schools that still have pit latrines, we hope that they will adhere to the judgment.”
Basic Education’s reaction to court’s judgment in Michael Komape’s death: Elijah Mhlanga
