“The sanitation crisis in Thembisa schools is not only creating a health crisis in the area, it is indicative of the lack of services to schools around the country. Instead of the learning environment being a safe place, children are now being exposed to major health risks” said IFP MP Petros Sithole.

This was in response to the on-going sanitation crisis that has gripped Thembisa schools and the lacklustre response by the Gauteng provincial government to the problem.

“This is not the first time that this issue has been raised and despite promises by Education MEC Panyaza Lefusi to tackle the matter within the first 100 days of his term, very little has been done.

Schools around Gauteng, including in Katlehong and Daveyton, are also desperate for infrastructure and though the department has promised improvements, many scholars continue to be exposed to unhygienic situations” said Sithole.

“Lack of proper sanitation cannot be a normal part of school. How can scholars learn about health and proper sanitation when their school conditions contradict what they learn? This cannot be allowed to continue” said Sithole