By REGINALD KANYANE
29 September 2025 – The Select Committee on Education, Science and the Creative Industries has expressed alarm about allegations that educators impregnated learners and paid them for termination. The committee said it was concerning that so many alleged incidents of sexual violations of learners are being discussed in retrospect on social media platforms.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Makhi Feni, condemned these alleged incidents and called on professional bodies to follow up and act accordingly. Feni said learners who have been violated in this manner must come forward and report these incidents to the police.
“South Africa’s legislative framework criminalises this act, and so does the Code of Conduct for Educators. We are shocked by the revelations on social media, and so many women are attesting to such statements. That calls for a proper investigation and appropriate sanction, even if it is retrospective. Educators cannot feast on our children when we’ve entrusted them with custodianship.
“Allegations had surfaced pointing to what appears to be a pervasive silent culture in Eastern Cape schools. Several women came out in support and even alleged that it has become “normal practice” for educators to pay learners to terminate pregnancies,” he said.
Feni further calls on the South African Council for Educators to follow up on the alleged incidents, where schools and suspected educators had been named. He added that they call on learners and parents to come forward and report these alleged incidents, even if they were approached as relationships.
“Sleeping with learners is wholly inappropriate and despicable. We, therefore, frown upon such acts. All educators have a parental responsibility when children are in their care,” said Feni.
The Guardian 