By Celani Sikhakhane
Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, has rejected building unisex school toilets.
Speaking at an event in Dokodweni, KwaZulu-Natal, focused on fighting gender-based violence (GBV), Buthelezi said he would fight against the introduction of unisex toilets because they would be dangerous for girls.
“We are fighting GBV, and we won’t allow unisex toilets in our schools in KwaZulu-Natal. It would encourage GBV, so we are ready to go to court to stop these toilets.”
Buthelezi said the toilets would increase rape incidents, which the provincial government is trying to prevent.
In 2022, the Department of Basic Education proposed including unisex toilets, removing gender-specific pronouns, and updating the school curriculum.
The previous Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, introduced the proposal.
However, the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has said unisex toilets are not a priority.
She is more focused on eliminating dangerous pit toilets, which are still found in many rural and township schools, especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape and Free State.
In 2022, an online campaign started by community activist Rudayba Rasool in the Western Cape got over 90,000 signatures opposing the introduction of unisex toilets in schools.
The Department of Basic Education had earlier said that unisex toilets were meant to stop sexual bullying and encourage gender diversity in schools.
Pictured above: KZN MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi vows to fight against unisex toilets in KZN schools.
Source: Celani Sikhakhane
