EASTERN CAPE – The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) MEC Fundile Gade condemns all actions of abuse, sexual harassment and victimisation of learners by teachers in some of the province’s high schools.
According to Department of Education spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, this follows the surfacing on various media platforms of videos implicating teachers of sexual misconduct against learners. “The department reiterates its position in condemning such malicious, unethical and unprofessional misconduct and vows to take action to protect the constitutional rights of children to dignity, life and education.”
Mtima added that consequently, the department has started investigating some of these cases and will do so in collaboration with stakeholders and other departments like the SAPS. The MEC urged communities and parents to unite against this terrible crime.
“We call upon our school principals, educators and their unions together with SGBs to do everything humanly possible to protect children and expose teachers who abuse and victimise learners. Actions of this nature must be reported to the nearest office of the department and the police. As the department, we will always support all our learners facing this ordeal,” Gade emphasised.
Gade also called upon the Judiciary to prioritise all cases relating to learner abuse. “The speedy resolution of these cases is the best way of ensuring justice is served for the victim whether internally or by the police,” he said.
“There’s a need for the Department of Basic Education, Department of Safety, Department of Health and Department of Justice to close any potential legal loopholes within the ecosystem of governance to ensure justice on matters of this nature moving forward because of the criminal component of it beyond the internal disciplinary process of the Department of Education.
“The past experiences must serve as a testimony on this question and arrests must be made, not just expulsions from work.”
