For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Shomolekae.    

Making headlines: 93% of identified pit toilets in public schools successfully eradicated; EFF warns electronic voting will deepen inequality and disenfranchise millions; And, Joburg Water disconnects customers owing over R2.7m

93% of identified pit toilets in public schools successfully eradicated

Despite the success of eradicating over 93% of identified pit toilets in public schools across the country, the Department of Basic Education said that the eradication of backlog remains a non-negotiable priority.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announced today that over 93% identified pit toilets in public schools have been eradicated by the Sanitation Appropriate for Education initiative.

Gwarube was briefing the National Council of Provinces, where she said despite the severe fiscal constraints facing the basic education sector, the Department determined to meet the March 31 deadline, set by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to eradicate unsafe sanitation in schools.

The Department acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by budget constraints, infrastructure backlogs, and rising construction costs, however said all efforts are being made to ensure that every learner has access to “safe and hygienic school sanitation.”

EFF warns electronic voting will deepen inequality and disenfranchise millions

The Economic Freedom Fighters expressed its disapproval with any attempts to transition South Africa to electronic elections, calling on the Independent Electoral Commission to rather implement automatic voter registration for all citizens once they turn 18.

This, the party said, can be achieved by integrating IEC systems with the Department of Home Affairs database, eliminating what it calls the “tedious and unnecessary” registration process, which it believes discourages voter turnout.

The IEC is undertaking public dialogue on electronic voting with a three-day conference, this week, in which IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo called on the commission to investigate new approaches to improve the electoral process, voter experience, accessibility and enable cost savings.

As part of its dialogue around electronic voting, the IEC has launched an Electronic Voting Policy Discussion Document, which explores the possibilities, challenges, and implications of implementing e-voting in South Africa.

It is urging citizens to read through the research contained in the document and to share any concerns or suggestions.

Meanwhile, the EFF had dismissed repeated attempts to digitise the voting process, calling it premature, with the argument that it will compromise the integrity, accessibility and reliability of South Africa’s electoral system.

The EFF said electronic voting in South Africa will only deepen “inequality and disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly the poor and working class owing to the country’s deep digital divide.”

And, Joburg Water disconnects customers owing over R2.7m

Following the start of a Level 1 Disconnections Drive on Monday, Johannesburg Water has disconnected 15 customers that collectively owe the utility more than R2.7-million.

The customers reside in gated communities and complexes in the south and north of Johannesburg, including suburbs such as Glenvista, Sunninghill and Buccleuch.

One customer owes over R333 000 on their account, while two others owe over R100 000 each.

Johannesburg Water metering and revenue senior manager Siphindile Ngange pointed to the challenges in embarking on disconnection drives, with Johannesburg Water’s disconnections teams often denied access to gated communities and complexes.

The customers will have to either make full payments on their accounts or make payment arrangements with the City's Credit Management Department to have the water reconnected.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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