SCHOOL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT @KASIBCNEWS

SCHOOL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the Free State Department of Education’s swift action in dismissing a Makabelane Technical School teacher found guilty of sexual assault and harassment involving three learners. Although this is a positive step in the battle against sexual predators in our schools, there is still a broader crisis that must be dealt with.

For the 2024/25 period, the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) reported that 12 sexual harassment and abuse of learners by teachers in the Free State were referred to them. It would be extremely negligent if the matter were not treated with urgency and decisiveness.

Parents need to know that they are sending their children to a safe place where their well-being and dignity are protected. There needs to be systematic changes and reforms in the Free State schooling system that will ensure comprehensive vetting and monitoring of teachers, as well as a zero-tolerance policy for offenders. This must go beyond safeguarding learners from potential abuse by teachers and must include safeguarding them from the potential threat of abuse by other learners.

The Department must also work to prevent delays in disciplinary processes, which often allow learners to be further exposed to perpetrators. In some instances, investigations and proceedings have taken years, while taxpayers continue to fund positions that remain vacant due to suspensions and continue covering the cost of substitutes.