The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has taken action to protect learners following reports of alleged sexual abuse in schools in the Eastern Cape.

“The minister has taken steps to ensure that the law is enforced, learners are safeguarded and accountability is demanded from those who abuse their positions of trust or attempt to destabilise schools,” the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said in a statement yesterday.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has reported that seven educators at St John’s College have been accused of sexually abusing learners, which has led to several pregnancies.

In response, the learners staged protests, calling for accountability and protection for their peers.

The provincial department has since announced that the implicated educators have been placed on precautionary suspension while a formal investigation is conducted.

In addition, allegations of sexual harassment have emerged on social media regarding JS Skenjana Senior Secondary School.

The department has stated that an investigative team from outside the district has been appointed to probe the allegations, following concerns that earlier reports were not adequately addressed.

In the meantime, the provincial department will also be providing psychosocial support for affected learners.

The minister emphasised that reporting sexual offences by schools is a legal obligation, not a matter of choice.

According to Section 54 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act of 2007, anyone who is aware of a sexual offence against a child is required to report it to SAPS.

“Likewise, Section 110 of the Children’s Act [38 of 2005] places a statutory obligation on educators and other professionals working with children to report suspected abuse or neglect. Failure to comply with these provisions constitutes a criminal offence,” the DBE said.

The minister has engaged with the MEC for Education in the Eastern Cape, Fundile Gade, to ensure that these laws are enforced without exception.

“We will not allow predators or disruptors to rob children of their right to safe schooling. Any person who abuses their position of trust will face the full force of the law,” said Gwarube.

In addition, Gwarube has formally requested that the acting minister of police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, ensure a swift and thorough investigation into these allegations.

Gwarube said the recurring reports of sexual abuse in schools underscore the urgent need for a stronger system of detection, reporting, and accountability.

The minister will ‘consult widely on comprehensive, system-wide measures to root out this scourge once and for all’.

Operation Dudula

In addition, the minister raised concerns with the acting minister of police regarding reported disruptions of schooling by the so-called Operation Dudula movement.

“She has requested that the joint operations structures between the DBE, SAPS and provincial Education departments be activated to monitor and manage these disruptions.”

Gwarube further underlined that it is an offence under the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 to disrupt teaching and learning.

“No movement, no matter its name or agenda, has the right to hold children’s education hostage. Those who seek to destabilise schools will be met with the full might of the law,” said the minister.

Gwarube emphasised that the safety of learners is a top priority for the seventh administration.

She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that schools are safe spaces for children, free from abuse, intimidation and disruption. – SAnews.gov.za

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