Association demands urgent action on sexual predators in schools
The union is also calling for a permanent ban from working with children for any teacher found guilty of sexual misconduct.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) calls on the government to take firmer steps against teachers who sexually abuse learners, warning that the current laws do not offer sufficient protection.
The union raised concerns about teachers accused of misconduct being allowed to resign before facing disciplinary action, only to be rehired at other schools, putting more children at risk.
“Schools must be safe spaces for children,” the PSA said. “The system is failing to stop abusive teachers.”
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A serious issue, the PSA noted, is weak co-ordination between the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and provincial education departments.
The union demands improved co-operation and urgent reforms to key legislation, including the Sexual Offences Act and the Employment of Educators Act.
Among its proposals, the PSA calls for more rigorous background checks, faster investigation processes, and the permanent disqualification from working with children of any teacher found guilty of sexual misconduct.
Responding to the outcry, the Gauteng Department of Education said it had a zero-tolerance approach to sexual abuse.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that all employees are screened using certificates from the National Register for Sexual Offenders before taking further steps.
In January 2024, the New Lovelife Trust welcomed SACE’s move to strike from the register any teachers accused of sexual harassment or engaging in sexual relationships with learners.
