Sowetan

KZN MEC dismisses 12 teachers for sexually assaulting pupils

By Nomahlubi Jordaan | Aug 29, 2016 

The MEC for education in KwaZulu-Natal has dismissed 12 teachers who were found guilty of sexually assaulting pupils.

MEC Mthandeni Dlungwa’s Appeals Committee had presided over and adjudicated 12 cases of both sexual relationships and sexual assaults since June.

“All appeals have been recommended for dismissal from the education system. This proves the decisive‚ tough stance of the MEC against the perpetrators of sexual relationships with learners.

“By allowing these teachers to continue teaching‚ the department is in violation of the (2000) amendment in the Employment of Educators Act of 1998 which states clearly that ‘If a teacher is found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a learner at his/her school‚ whether with or without the consent of such a learner‚ the teacher will be dismissed’‚” the department said.

“This kind of violation causes serious and damaging consequences for the victim(s) and in many instances‚ it greatly affects their ability to learn‚ study or participate in school activities.

“The MEC further urges learners who feel that administrators‚ teachers‚ or other students are subjecting them to sexual harassment to report these conditions to someone they trust‚ a member of the family‚ a member of the community and to relevant authorities.”