STREAMS of kak forced teachers and pupils at Buhlebemvelo Primary School to go to the nearby bush when nature called.
For the past three years, pupils and teachers have not been able to use the overflowing pit toilets at the school in Mtubatuba, northern KZN.
But the problem became a thing of the past when Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga handed over new toilets on Tuesday.
Principal Oscar Sithole said they were over the moon because the smell from the pit toilets was unbearable.
“We didn’t prevent pupils from relieving themselves in the bush because even the teachers didn’t use the old toilets.
“I have been trying to get sponsors to help me and I even wrote to parliament for help.
“This is a new dawn for us. The school is 26 years old and the toilet problem started three years ago,” said Sithole.
Parent Nomvula Mkhwanazi (32) said she was concerned when her son answer nature’s call in the bush.
“I was scared he would be bitten by a snake or contract an illness in the bush,” said Nomvula.
Motshegka said the handover was part of the Sanitation Appropriate for Education initiative launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year.
“This was done to ensure the safety of our pupils.
“We are planning to visit more schools so we can build better facilities,” said Motshekga.