Fezeka High School in Gugulethu does not have a dedicated cleaner, and pupils have had to clean their own toilets.
But last week, local residents and members of the local branch of the ANC took the job upon themselves. The residents involved in the clean-up operation on Friday October 26, said they had to make a plan to improve the situation.
Co-ordinator Phunyezwa Sonqishe appealed to parents of Gugulethu to take turns to clean the toilets for their children at schools in the area. She said pupils could not be expected to do this as they did not have the necessary equipment to do the job – and the school did not have access to adequate resources to manage sanitation.
“We decided to take it upon ourselves to clean the toilets. They were in a dire state. Children have complained to us and we thought something must be done. We roped some of them in because we want them to be influential to others. In fact they volunteered. These toilets do not even have doors,” she said.
The group promised to keep coming to school to clean and said Fezeka would not be the last school to benefit from their efforts.
“Our children are badly affected. We had a report that some had infections. That is the reason we brought our services, “ said Ms Sonqishe.
She added that cleanliness should be a priority at schools. “We are also going to all the Gugulethu schools. But it would be good if parents living closer to schools can form sort of a club to clean school toilets,” she said.
School principal Kevin Hockey welcomed the work done by the community. “I am very proud of these people because they want the school to be more efficient. We prepare the pupils for the community. It is good when they help us to keep clean,” he said.