President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to launch an initiative aimed at improving sanitation at some of the country’s poorest schools.
The President is expected to join Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga in launching the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The SAFE initiative, led by the Department of Basic Education in partnership with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), the Nelson Mandela Foundation and UNICEF is in response to the significant school sanitation challenges facing some of the country’s poorest schools.
The department said the launch will not only unveil government’s plans but will also bring together CEOs of big business as well as non-profit organisations and interested individuals.
“They will come together to pledge their support for the initiative, which seeks to improve the dignity of all learners across the country by eradicating pit latrines. This will be done in honour of former President Nelson Mandela, as we celebrate the centenary of this global icon, who valued education above all else.
“It will be a fitting tribute to our beloved former Statesman to eradicate pit latrines and restore dignity to South African children in his honour,” said the Department of Basic Education.
The launch is scheduled to get underway at 7am. – SAnews.gov.za
