Safe initiative hailed

THE SA Human Rights Commission welcomes the launch of the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (Safe) initiative by the president today.

President Cyril Ramaphosa made a strong statement on Tuesday about the human consequence of service delivery that is deferred, derailed, delayed or denied, particularly to the most vulnerable people in our society.

He called for a sustained focus on the implementation of plans, with special emphasis on “that which we are supposed to do”.

The commission supports, this as the delays and denials rob people – especially the most vulnerable – of their constitutionally entrenched socio-economic rights.

The commission also supports the president’s call for the country to act with purpose, urgency and unity in delivering on its responsibilities and securing the rights of learners across the country.

The commission, therefore, laments the decision of the Department of Basic Education to appeal against the recent Bhisho High Court ruling, which confirms the responsibility of the government to deliver on its plans and act in keeping with the principles of accountability and transparency.

That judgment marked a significant milestone in confirming the essential nature of infrastructure as a component of the right to basic education.

On this basis, the commission calls upon the department to withdraw its appeal against this judgment and rather use the related resources for the furtherance of the Safe initiative.

We regret that the Safe initiative has come after a long battle to secure a safe environment capable of promoting dignity, health, equality and access to quality basic education, for learners.

The commission hopes this initiative will go a long way towards finally securing one of the most fundamental rights of learners at schools.

The commission will be meeting the Honourable Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, tomorrow and shall continue to treat this matter with the utmost urgency.