Sunward Park high learners protest against sexual harassment allegations
GDE has today dismissed the accused teacher.
A group of learners from Sunward Park High School staged a protest outside their school gates this morning, demanding swift action against a male educator accused of sexual abuse over a period of more than seven years.
Expressing their frustration, learners and about four parents peacefully demonstrated outside the school, chanting struggle songs including Phambili nge War (Forward with the War) and demanding justice for sexually assaulted learners at the school.
According to one parent, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation of her child at the school, girls from the school started complaining about sexual abuse by the teacher over seven years ago, and some have already finished school.
The parent criticised the school management, including the SGB, for failing to take action against the teacher.
“Girls, including some who have already finished school, have been reporting these incidents to school management for years, but their complaints were not addressed,” said the parent.
“That is why today they staged a protest to express their frustration at the management’s indifference. We, as parents, also feel that the victims were being ignored while the alleged perpetrator was being protected by management.”
However, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) insists that the school acted swiftly to suspend the educator as a precautionary measure to safeguard the well-being of learners.
Accused teacher dismissed
The GDE confirmed today, September 11, that a male educator from the school, appointed by the SGB, was dismissed following serious allegations that he sexually assaulted and verbally abused female learners.
According to the department, the alleged incidents took place on school grounds and outside the premises since 2024, with the most recent incident reportedly occurring in August 2025. However, a parent said both parents and learners were left in the dark about actions taken against the teacher.
“We were shocked when we saw the statement issued by the department today. It is not true that the problem started in 2024. Learners have been complaining about the same teacher for years,” said the parent.
GDE MEC Matome Chiloane said the educator was suspended on August 28, following a complaint lodged by parents at the school on August 27. He was subsequently dismissed in absentia at a disciplinary hearing today.
“The educator faced three counts of sexual assault and one count of verbal misconduct, all of which detail disgraceful, improper, and unbecoming behaviour not expected of an educator towards female learners.
“The school acted swiftly to suspend him to safeguard learners’ wellbeing and uphold the integrity of the school environment, and later dismissed him.”
The educator was found guilty of contravening the Code of Professional Ethics, resulting in his dismissal.
“This decision will be communicated to the South African Council for Educators (SACE) with a formal recommendation that his name be permanently removed from the SACE register. This will revoke his teaching accreditation and prevent employment at any school or educational institution in South Africa in the future.”
Chiloane added that the GDE strongly condemns any form of violence, abuse, or misconduct by educators.
“Teachers are entrusted with the safety, care, and development of learners. Any breach of that trust is treated with the utmost seriousness. Schools must be safe and supportive spaces where learners can thrive academically and personally without fear of harm,” said Chiloane.
The department said it will provide counselling and other support services to the affected learners. Furthermore, the GDE urges learners, parents, and members of the public to report any misconduct by educators to school management, district offices, or through the Department’s dedicated hotline and WhatsApp lines to ensure that such matters are addressed swiftly and appropriately.
Learners can report issues of sexual harassment or assault to Childline by dialling 116. They can also contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), which has partnered with the GDE to safeguard learners’ mental well-being. Reach out to SADAG on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789.
Learners can also contact the GDE directly by calling 0800 000 789 or WhatsApp 060 891 0361.
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