Learners at Boksburg High School gathered outside the school gates on November 12 to protest against the return of a teacher who was previously dismissed over alleged sexual harassment.

The teacher in question returned to the school today, after he won an appeal against his guilty verdict, which resulted in his subsequent dismissal.

The peaceful protest was led by one of the at least 18 learners involved in the case. The learner said she felt compelled to act after learning that the teacher is officially returning to the school.

“The case started toward the end of last year. We had 18 witnesses, including teachers, and enough evidence to support our claims. Today, we wanted to make it clear that we don’t want him on the school premises,” she said.

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Boksburg High School learners have gathered in protest, speaking out against the possible return of a teacher who was previously dismissed over alleged sexual harassment.

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The senior learner said the situation had affected her final examinations, explaining that she should be focusing on her studies instead of fearing for her safety. She claimed the teacher made inappropriate verbal remarks toward female learners.

“He would say things like, ‘You have big, beautiful eyes,’ and other comments that made us feel uncomfortable. He’s an adult, and we are minors. It’s not right,” she said.

Learners handed over a memorandum to the SGB during the protest, calling on the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to review the decision and prioritise the safety and well-being of all learners.

“I’m about to finish school, but I don’t want to leave knowing there’s a perpetrator left behind for others to face,” she added.

Also Read: UPDATE: Boksburg High assault: Management keeps mum on disciplinary actions

A parent of one of the witnesses said the reinstatement shocked the school community, as many believed the teacher’s dismissal had been final.

“My daughter testified as a witness in the case, and we were under the impression he’d been dismissed permanently. Now he’s back, and everyone is worried. How can someone accused of such behaviour be allowed to return to a school?” the parent said.

“During the testimony, I learned that he would touch their shoulders or near the chest area while making comments about their looks. Even some boys said he made them uncomfortable, but they didn’t want to come forward,” she said.

SGB chairperson Stacey Ball said the governing body stands with the learners and acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations.

“We fully support our learners’ right to a safe and respectful learning environment. The accused challenged the evidence presented, but the victims were not allowed to respond to his claims before the appeal committee. This raises concerns about procedural fairness.”

Also Read: Parents concerned about return of dismissed teacher to Boksburg High