Public interest law centre SECTION27 expressed its disappointment at the postponement of the Limpopo schools pit toilets case that was set to be heard in the Limpopo Division of the South African High Court on Monday.

In 2018 the court ordered that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE) must file plans to eradicate pit toilets and provide the court with an updated audit of sanitation needs at schools in the province.

SECTION27 is asking the court to rule that the DBE’s and the LDOE’s “plan” to abolish pit toilets is unconstitutional.

“SECTION27 is extremely disappointed that this matter is not going ahead on Monday. We will be asking for a date at the soonest possible opportunity for this matter to be heard,” said SECTION27 head of education rights programme Dr Faranaaz Veriava .

The matter was set down for Monday, however that date was not confirmed, with the presiding judge unavailable on that date.

“We are awaiting to receive an alternative court hearing date from the High Court in Polokwane. Given the seriousness of the matter, and because learners’ rights are at stake, we are requesting a preferential date. We will communicate the new dates and details with media in due course,” she said.