By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 10 sexual misconduct cases were allegedly reported against ‘teachers’ across North West schools in the past five years. It is alleged that teachers continue to prey on pupils, especially in schools with special needs. Those who are most vulnerable are in schools for the deaf, blind, autistic, and female pupils.
It is also alleged that sexual misconduct cases against teachers have also cost the North West Department of Education over R5m in precautionary suspension. One of our highly-placed sources within the department said, this paint a grim picture of teachers taking advantage of these pupils.
“Teachers are supposed to protect these pupils, while at school. However, they are the ones taking advantage of them. This is appalling and a clear indication that innocent lives are at risk. Even though these teachers were placed on a precautionary suspension, nothing much has happened to these cases.
“In most cases, principals at various schools or senior managers from the districts sweep these allegations under the carpet. Also, the department does not help victims to open criminal cases against perpetrators. It will rather discourage them from doing so and try to mediate.”
Our source further said, schools should be safer spaces for learners, where sex offenders are not permitted.
“It will be better if the names of those teachers who are found guilty of sexual misconduct are also registered under the National Register for Sex Offenders. This will ensure that these teachers are banned from working with children.
“However, I will continue to fight for the safety of our learners in the province and ensure that these vague cases are resolved as a matter of urgency.”
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “Only three sexual misconduct cases were reported during the 2022 calendar. The investigated cases with prima facie evidence are reported from districts to corporate.
“Of three cases, the final outcomes are not yet reported to corporate because in terms of Educator Labour Relation Council (ELRC) Collective Agreement 2 of 2018, cases involving sexual assault/abuse are handled by Commissioners from ELRC, not by Labour Officials of the department.”
Malindi added that, as the department, they are aware of the number of sexual misconduct cases reported, and Section 17 of The Employment of Educators Act 76 of 1998, stipulates that, an educator must be dismissed if he or she is found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a learner of the school, where he or she is employed.
Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) spokesperson in North West, advocate Oarabile Gaoraelwe said, they have received complaints of human rights violations relating to children in schools being victimised, bullied, and unfairly discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, culture, and religion over the years.
Gaoraelwe said children’s rights are one of the seven focus areas identified by the commission as requiring a dedicated focus to enable it to effectively fulfill its mandate of promoting, protecting, and monitoring the realisation of rights in South Africa.
“Children need special protection because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. They depend on others, being their parents, families, society, and the state, for care and protection.
“As a result, the drafters of our constitution prioritised children’s rights. So, we will be conducting a provincial Human Rights dialogue themed “Enhancing the promotion and protection for children’s rights to education, equality, and respect for their language, culture, and religion,” he said.
He said against the above backdrop, the commission will conduct a dialogue on children’s rights. Gaoraelwe said the provincial dialogue is scheduled to take place in Mahikeng on Thursday.
TaungDailyNews 