Principal suspended for alleged sexual harassment

The principal of Rivoni Secondary School in Daveyton has been suspended following allegations that he sexually harassed 15 learners.

April 5, 2019

Cindy Shabangu 1 minute read

MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi at Rivoni Secondary School in Daveyton.

The MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, and the MMC for Community Safety, Vivian Chauke, were at the school on Thursday where evidence related to the claims was presented by, among others, the EFF.

The party chanted outside the school gates, demanding the principal’s suspension.

EFF regional secretary Sipho Watkins alleged a learner is pregnant by the principal and another has already given birth to his child.

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Chauke confirmed the allegations of sexual harassment pertain to 15 learners and announced the principal would indeed be suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation into the claims.

The principal was escorted from the school grounds by police.

It was confirmed that no criminal case has been opened against him.

“We will be working with the department, the social crime prevention unit and parents to further the investigation,” said Chauke.

According to Watkins, this matter was brought to the attention of the Gauteng Department of Education last year, but no action was taken.

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“The principal has taken advantage of young and innocent learners by harassing them sexually,” he alleged.

“We will follow up on the investigation until he faces justice.”

Lesufi said the department will deploy a psycho-social team to speak to learners as part of the investigation into the allegations against the principal and to offer them support.