By REGINALD KANYANE
24 September 2025- The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) said it is horrified by the continuing violation of children in schools by those who are meant to protect them. UDESMO said the recent flood of cases, from St John’s College in Mthatha (Eastern Cape), to Tiyelelani
Secondary in Soshanguve (Gauteng), from St Bernard High in Bloemfontein (Free State), to Thubalethu Secondary in Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal), and Sunward Park High in Boksburg (Gauteng), shows that what should be a place of learning has become a hunting ground for predators hiding behind the title of “teacher.”
UDESMO Chairperson in Eastern Cape, Lucia Matomane said they cannot pretend that these are isolated incidents. Matomane said girls as young as 12 and 14, are being preyed upon.
“They are being impregnated, forced into abortions, infected with diseases and threatened into silence. These crimes are ripping futures away from young people before their lives have even begun. The pain and anger of learners are boiling over.
“When pupils are forced to protest and shut down schools just to be heard, it shows the system has failed them. The silence of adults who should act faster is part of the problem.
But there are signs that justice can prevail,” she said.
Matomane further said in one case, a teacher who impregnated a learner, infected her with HIV and then tried to escape responsibility was struck off the roll and ordered by a court to pay maintenance. She added that is what it looks like when the law works — but it should never take this long and it should never be the exception.
“UDESMO demands more than words of sympathy. We demand no bail for accused teachers. Our children’s lives matter more than the freedom of predators. Swift prosecutions and maximum sentences for offenders is necessary.
“Educators found guilty of sexual offences against learners must be struck off the roll and be permanently listed on the National Child Protection Register. Also, real support for survivors in the form of counselling, protection and dignity is needed,” said Matomane.
She said enough is enough and schools must be safer places. Matomane said their teachers must be trustworthy and their generation refuses to accept a future, where classrooms are places of fear.
The Guardian 