A Queenstown Girls’ High School (GHS) teacher has been suspended on allegations of sexual assault against a learner.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education said its MEC, Fundile Gade, had learnt of the allegations with shock.
Departmental spokesperson in the province, Mali Mtima, said the teacher was appointed by the school.
“This school has swiftly suspended the alleged perpetrator pending the finalisation of the investigation being conducted by the department. Additionally, this incident happens while the department is currently embarking on a massive vetting project which seeks to ensure that all employees working with children are fit and proper as per the provisions of the Children’s Act of 2005,” said Mtima.
He further said the department was conducting the vetting process wherein employees working with children were vetted against the national sex offenders register held by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, as well as the Child Protection Register kept by the Department of Social Development.
“Anyone found to be unfit and improper will have his or her employment terminated after due labour process has been followed. Additionally, the learner is receiving support from the Education Social Support Services unit (ESSS). The psychosocial services provided by ESSS to the learner include counselling and debriefing sessions,” said Mtima.
The news of the alleged sexual assault has been circulating on social media, but there had been no formal statement released until the provincial department’s statement around midnight on October 10.
