BOTSHABELO – The Free State Department of Education has strongly condemned the alleged sexual harassment of a 32-year-old female educator by a 14-year-old Grade 7 learner at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School in Botshabelo.
The alleged incident occurred on 27 October at the school, situated in the Mangaung Metropolitan District, when the learner reportedly attempted to touch the educator inappropriately.
According to the Department, the educator acted swiftly to protect herself following the alleged incident.
School reports matter to police
School management immediately separated the educator and learner, placing them in separate safe spaces. The learner’s parents were informed, and the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
A criminal case has been opened and is currently under investigation.
The educator has since reported feeling unwell and has been unable to return to work. The Department confirmed that psychosocial support has been provided to assist her.
The matter was also referred to the School Governing Body (SGB) and its Disciplinary Committee on 29 October.
A formal disciplinary hearing involving the learner has been scheduled for 5 November at 09:00 at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School.
Abuse of teachers will not be tolerated
Free State MEC for Education, MJ Maboya, condemned the alleged incident in the strongest terms, emphasising that educators must be protected in the execution of their duties.
“We will not tolerate the abuse of teachers in our schools. Our classrooms must be safe spaces for both learners and educators. An attack on a teacher is an attack on education itself.
“No teacher should go to school fearing for their safety and dignity. We stand firmly with her and all educators. Discipline, respect and protection of our teachers is non-negotiable,” Maboya said.
The MEC also called on parents and communities to work alongside the Department in promoting discipline and respect among learners.
Department is committed to teacher safety
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the learner Code of Conduct and protecting educators in accordance with the South African Schools Act and the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.
It stressed that maintaining safe school environments requires cooperation between schools, parents and communities, as well as clear consequences for misconduct.
The Department confirmed that it would not release the learner’s identity, as he is a minor.
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