School activities have resumed at Mpilonhle Primary School following two days of community protests in support of an alleged 8-year-old sexual harassment victim.

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The Department of Education released the following statement regarding the situation:

The Mpumalanga Department of Education is encouraged with the resumption of learning and teaching at Mpilonhle Primary School in Dullstroom, Emakhazeni Local Municipality following a two-day disruption of classes due to community protests.

This positive development is the result of collaborative engagements among key stakeholders, including parents, who have placed the best interests of the learners at the forefront.

Their collective decision to prioritize uninterrupted education reflects a shared commitment to the well-being and future of our children.

The temporary suspension of classes was in solidarity with an alleged sexual harassment case involving an 8-year-old learner.

The Department is committed to ensuring that all affected learners are supported in catching up on the missed academic time.

An internal investigation has also been instituted to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Department will work closely with law enforcement throughout the process.

Furthermore, the Department is providing the necessary psychosocial support to the learner and her family and will continue to do so for as long as needed.

Our shared responsibility is to protect our learners and to foster a safe, respectful learning environment for all.

Together, we can ensure that schools remain safe spaces where learning thrives and the rights of every child are secured and respected.