Michael Komape trial
Michael Komape fell into a pit toilet at his school on 20 January 2014, and drowned. His parents are suing the state for approximately R3 million. They also want to compel the state to provide decent sanitation at schools across Limpopo Province.
Here are GroundUp's reports from the court case.
“There are only two pit toilets for the whole school,” says Limpopo learner
Premier announces R192-million spend to fix sanitation infrastructure backlog at 100 schools
Brief | 5 July 2019
Komape hearing: judge lashes Limpopo education department
The state’s case against the family of drowned schoolboy is “insensitive”, says Justice Navsa
By Ciaran Ryan
News | 3 September 2019
Komape family awarded R1.4 million for emotional shock and grief
Supreme Court of Appeal overturns Limpopo High Court decision
By Ciaran Ryan
Law | 18 December 2019
Education department back in court over pit latrines
SECTION27 says the department only plans to eradicate pit toilets in Limpopo schools by 2030
News | 4 May 2021
Limpopo education department is in breach of order to get rid of school pit latrines, court hears
State’s plan is unconstitutional as pit toilets will only become a thing of the past in 2030, argues SECTION27
By Ciaran Ryan
Law | 7 August 2021
Komape family wins court battle seven years after their son drowned in a pit toilet
State must provide court with reports every six months with details of steps taken to eradicate pit toilets
By Ciaran Ryan
News | 17 September 2021
Eight years after Michael Komape’s death we visited Limpopo schools to see if their toilets have improved
“Pit toilets pose a fatal risk to the lives, safety and health of learners” says SECTION27
Feature | 22 June 2022
Limpopo Education Department set to miss pit toilets deadline
Some Rivubye High School learners prefer to use bushes
By Thembi Siaga
News | 27 March 2025