Activist highlights learner abuse during protests in eMbalenhle
Sihle Mabena said he was unfairly targeted while documenting learner-led protests over sexual abuse claims at eMbalenhle schools.
eMbalenhle social media activist Sihle Mabena dismissed claims that he instigated the recent secondary school protests, saying he was unfairly targeted while trying to highlight sexual abuse allegations made by learners.
Mabena told the Ridge Times that weeks before the demonstrations, several girls from different eMbalenhle schools confided in him about disturbing incidents involving teachers.
“They told me about inappropriate touching, threats and even sexual relationships between learners and teachers. One learner said she was impregnated by a teacher and forced to drop out of school,” Mabena said.
According to him, the learners had previously reported complaints to school authorities, who took no action. He decided to post evidence of one teacher’s misconduct on Facebook, saying his intention was to raise awareness and protect vulnerable learners, not to cause disruption.
Following the post, Mabena claims he received more reports involving the same teacher. A school principal then contacted him, thanked him for highlighting the matter, and promised it would be addressed. He said they agreed he would remove the post while the school dealt with the allegations.
“I complied and informed my audience that I deleted the post because the principal had promised to take action and provide updates. Unfortunately, I never received feedback as agreed,” he explained.
Learners began boycotting classes on August 18, accusing certain teachers of misconduct, including sexual harassment, physical assault and verbal abuse. Mabena said that despite the seriousness of the allegations, no immediate steps were taken.
The following day, while on his way to meet the circuit manager, who had invited him to discuss a constructive way forward, Mabena said he learnt that learners from various schools were already protesting outside Sizwakele Secondary School.
“As a social media content creator, I went there to document the events. I live-streamed from my car without interacting with students, teachers or the police. A police officer suddenly approached, and despite my compliance, he forcefully put me into a police van,” he recalled.
At the police station, Mabena said he was given no clear reason for his arrest. Officers allegedly searched for prior cases under his name but found only a civil matter.
Meanwhile, learners gathered outside the station to demand his release.
“Their protest was not because I was leading them, but because they were inspired to speak out against injustice. I was eventually released, but the experience was exhausting and traumatic. I felt criminalised for trying to help learners,” he said.
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Mabena added that some teachers have since threatened learners with expulsion if they continue speaking out, but insists the protests were learner-driven.
“I have dashcam footage from Sizwakele Secondary School that proves I only documented events. My goal has always been to support victims and ensure their voices are heard,” Mabena concluded.
Mpumalanga Education MEC Lindi Masina convened an urgent stakeholder meeting at the eMbalenhle Sasol following two days of violent learner protests at local secondary schools.
The representatives included community members, teacher unions, school governing bodies (SGBs), the SAPS, traditional leaders, security companies, learner formations like Congress of South African Students and the Vukanini Taxi Association.
Masina confirmed the suspension of a teacher accused of sexual misconduct and assured stakeholders that investigations are ongoing, stressing that due process will be followed.
“Every learner deserves safety, every teacher deserves dignity, and every parent deserves peace of mind,” she said.
eMbalenhle police spokesperson Constable Busi Mthethwa denied that Mabena was arrested but was kept at the police station.
