Bonwelong Primary and Umqhele Secondary School in Ivory Park, Johannesburg, continue to face intermittent water supply, which has affected teaching and learning at the schools.

As South Africa observes Human Rights Month, the right to access clean drinking water remains a challenge in many communities. Ivory Park councillor, Isaac Mhlongo raised the issue with SABC News, saying lack of reliable water supply in schools also has a negative impact on a child’s right to education.

“So, the problem is that when water is not available our children do not attend the classes full time, yes of course it violates the rights of our children because if they don’t attend classes fully. They would end up failing or involving themselves in dangerous activities because when they leave the school clearly, they would go around our communities play around,”

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education Department has admitted to the ongoing infringement of the right to an uninterrupted water supply at the two schools.

However, water has since been restored in the area. The Department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona says efforts are under way to remedy the situation.

“So, if you don’t have water it becomes a huge challenge but what we would do is that around lunch time they had to release learners because you know after lunch that’s when learners utilize toilets quite often and if you don’t have water, it becomes a challenge. So, children in this area for them not to come to school it’s a huge challenge besides our curriculum delivery which would be falling behind and which we have the responsibility to have catch up plans any days that we lose we make sure that there are catch up plans,”