/ 12 September 2025

Pit latrine and septic tank tragedies: How many more children must die?

Pit Latrines In Govan Mbeki Informal Settlement Photo Delwyn Verasamy
Danger: Sanitation in South Africa, such as that found in Govan Mbeki is not adequate for people’s needs. At schools, children are exposed to the possibility of falling into an unsafe latrine or septic tank. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

A young child’s death in a septic tank has sparked further calls for a new national audit of sanitation in schools

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