KZN school temporarily closes due to poor sanitation, Education Department intervenes
Temporary sanitation solution: Chemical toilets provided at Mthiyaqhwa Secondary School.
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Mthiyaqhwa Secondary School in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, was forced to temporarily suspend schooling after an inspection by Environmental Health Services from the King Cetshwayo District Municipality found sanitation and structural conditions to be non-compliant and “not conducive for children or people to live in”.
Principal Z.O. Zulu communicated the temporary suspension of schooling in a letter to parents dated January 28, stating that “due to the poor condition of the school’s toilets and other structures, the health department has decided to suspend schooling temporarily”.
Zulu said that teachers have provided their contact numbers, and parents were asked to use them to check on progress and when learners will return to school.
“I wish to assure parents that this is a temporary disruption, as we trust the department will intervene urgently because the situation is serious and urgent,” Zulu said.
King Cetshwayo District Municipality municipal manager Philani Sibiya explained that district municipalities are legally mandated to provide a range of services, including environmental health services. In this capacity, they periodically carry out inspections to ensure compliance with health regulations.
“The school closed based on non-compliance. The situation found at the school is not conducive for children or people to live in. What we are doing is trying to prevent a disease outbreak that could be caused by the condition the school was found in,” Sibiya said.
He expressed happiness that the Department of Education intervened, which is what they were pushing for, an intervention so that the children can use the school in good condition.
In response, the KZN Department of Education moved quickly to address sanitation challenges at the school. An immediate intervention was implemented to prevent any disruption to teaching and learning, following engagements between the district, infrastructure, and the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
“As an interim measure, the provision of chemical toilets was prioritised to address basic sanitation needs without delay,” the department said.
“The department confirms that the chemical toilets have since been delivered to Mthiyaqhwa High School, ensuring that learners and educators have access to adequate sanitation facilities while longer-term infrastructure solutions are being addressed.”
The department said that its swift action underscores its dedication to maintaining a functional, safe, and protective learning environment, thereby ensuring schools are conducive to effective teaching and learning.
“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders to provide sustainable infrastructure solutions and to uphold the dignity, health, and well-being of learners and educators across the province,” the department said.
Attempts to establish whether the school has been reopened were unsuccessful.