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.

Understanding the Michael Komape judgment

It’s a setback for the family, but it will help the campaign to end pit toilets in schools

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Law | 10 May 2018

Michael Komape’s family to appeal Limpopo High Court’s decision

Family is seeking nearly R3 million in damages

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Law | 31 May 2018

“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

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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

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News | 3 September 2019

Komape family awarded R1.4 million for emotional shock and grief

Supreme Court of Appeal overturns Limpopo High Court decision

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Feature | 22 June 2022