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Teacher who had inappropriate relationship with 15-year-old pupil triggering HIV scare loses bid to keep job
Teacher who had inappropriate relationship with 15-year-old pupil triggering HIV scare loses bid to keep job

The Herald

time2 days ago

  • The Herald

Teacher who had inappropriate relationship with 15-year-old pupil triggering HIV scare loses bid to keep job

The teacher sought to have the ELRC hearing postponed as her lawyer was busy with other matters. However, the arbitrator dismissed the application for several reasons. The arbitrator also considered the alleged victim's predicament. 'The records show the same/similar application was made before as submitted by the employer rep. After a lengthy process of a default award and a rescission application we are apparently back to square one. That, in my view, defeats the purpose of expeditious resolution of labour disputes. I also considered expeditious resolution should be balanced with fairness,' the ruling reads. 'The victim in the circumstances of the inquiry is a minor child who is expected from time to time to come and testify. This is taking much of his school time. I am of the opinion his constitutional right to education is being infringed. While it is expected of him to put much focus on his school work and future, further postponements on the matter is a damning distraction that cannot be taken lightly. 'In light of the foregoing, I am not persuaded the employee made a case for postponement and I am of the view it is not in the interest of justice to grant the application.' A police warrant officer from the family, child protection and sexual offences unit told the arbitrator police were investigating a statutory rape case against the teacher. The pupil, now 17, testified he was 'in a romantic relationship'. 'He confirmed he had a crush on her,' the ruling reads. 'He went to [the teacher's] place of residence several times. He confirmed having had sexual intercourse that night with her and without a condom. She gave him money to buy the morning after pills. It was his testimony that he had a romantic sexual relationship with [the teacher] and had sex more than once.' The pupil also testified the relationship was characterised by jealousy and violence. 'He confirmed he slapped [the teacher] on the face because of jealousy that she was speaking to another man over the phone in his presence,' the ruling reads. The pupil testified the teacher was upset when she saw his ex-girlfriend on his Facebook page. 'He confirmed he was chatting on WhatsApp with her regularly. He referred to her on WhatsApp as 'baby' and she responded positively. He told her he was in love with her and she was his 'baby' and she did not have a problem with that,' the ruling reads. 'He further stated he did not want to see her in any trouble regarding their affair and wanted to protect her.' He also pointed out the school hostel where the teacher lived. 'He could see the bedroom and the bed they slept on when they had sexual intercourse,' the ruling reads. The pupil revealed the relationship to another teacher who advised him to tell his parents. 'While they held the conversation, [the teacher] recorded everything said on his daughter's phone. He stated the pupil further confessed to have had sexual intercourse with the teacher. He felt duty-bound as an educator to protect the minor child. He advised him to tell his parents about the affair but he was reluctant to do that,' the ruling reads. The now-retired teacher testified he visited the child's parents and found his mother in 'tears' after the pupil confessed. The parents wanted to move their son to another school, the arbitrator heard. A social worker found the 'relationship affected the learner emotionally'.

Teacher who had inappropriate relationship with 15-year-old pupil triggering HIV scare loses bid to keep job
Teacher who had inappropriate relationship with 15-year-old pupil triggering HIV scare loses bid to keep job

TimesLIVE

time2 days ago

  • TimesLIVE

Teacher who had inappropriate relationship with 15-year-old pupil triggering HIV scare loses bid to keep job

A Northern Cape teacher who was dismissed for having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old pupil has failed in a bid to save her R18,000 a month job. The teacher, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the pupil, took the provincial education department to the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), contending she 'did not breach any rule as alleged by the employer'. The arbitrator heard the grade 9 pupil had to undergo an HIV test and take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), medication given to individuals at high risk of contracting the virus to prevent infection. The teacher, who taught at a high school, faced two counts. She was accused of dishonesty when interviewed by a labour relations manager about allegations she had been involved in a sexual relationship with the minor. The teacher was charged with contravention of the Employment of Educators Act for allegedly committing statutory rape. She argued the rule she allegedly breached was not consistently applied and she was not 'given a hearing on the alleged misconduct'. She had been teaching at the school since January 2017, earning R18,095 per month as a post-level 1 educator. The teacher was dismissed on November 11 last year after a two-day hearing held in her absence in October. The ELRC arbitrator heard the teacher 'was not present at the hearing and it is common cause she made no attempt to apply for postponement'. She approached the ELRC for 'retrospective reinstatement'.

Waterkloof principal transferred amid witness interference claims
Waterkloof principal transferred amid witness interference claims

The Citizen

time6 days ago

  • The Citizen

Waterkloof principal transferred amid witness interference claims

The disciplinary process is being handled by the ELRC, the statutory body responsible for overseeing such hearings. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has precautionarily transferred the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof amid allegations that he interfered with witnesses during a disciplinary process currently underway against him. In a statement issued on Thursday, the department confirmed that the principal will report to the Tshwane South District Office from Friday, 27 June 2025, while disciplinary proceedings continue. 'He will remain at the district office until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings,' GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said. Ongoing disciplinary process The disciplinary process is being handled by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), the statutory body responsible for overseeing such hearings. Mabona said the transfer was a necessary step to ensure due process. 'This development forms part of an ongoing disciplinary process stemming from serious allegations of improper conduct previously levelled against the principal,' he said. The department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability in education leadership. 'We are hopeful that this decision will contribute to a fair process accordingly. The GDE continues to closely monitor this case,' the statement read. ALSO READ: Schools or war zones? Ministers unveil 'Safe Schools Protocol' to end violence Officials suspended This latest action by the department comes days after it suspended two officials over incomplete repairs at Noordgesig Secondary School. The department announced the suspensions on Wednesday, 25 June. These concerns were prompted by the school's lack of readiness, despite previous commitments to make it safe and functional. The GDE confirmed it has launched an internal investigation to uncover the full facts surrounding the failed repairs. 'We will announce the outcome of said investigation once it has been completed,' the department stated. Last year, the fire disrupted learning and raised urgent safety concerns among the school community. In response, the department committed to a series of upgrades to restore functionality and ensure a safe learning environment. The GDE said it remains committed to ensuring accountability and restoring the school infrastructure. 'Subsequently, we will announce the outcome of said investigation once it has been completed.' NOW READ: Officials suspended over stalled repairs at Noordgesig Secondary

KZN crime statistics highlight loopholes for sexual offenders in accessing society's most vulnerable
KZN crime statistics highlight loopholes for sexual offenders in accessing society's most vulnerable

IOL News

time08-06-2025

  • IOL News

KZN crime statistics highlight loopholes for sexual offenders in accessing society's most vulnerable

Recent high-profile sexual offence cases in KZN include a 12-year-old Reservoir Hills pupil being sexually groomed by a teacher and a six-year-old Esikhaleni pupil who was allegedly raped while at school. THE recent revelation - as part of the fourth quarter SAPS crime statistics - that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) had the highest number of rape cases within educational facilities demands urgent and focused attention. This amid reports of a growing number of sexual offences against children and following the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) 2024/2025 report expose that a staggering 39 educators in South Africa were convicted of such crimes against learners while at school. Recent high-profile sexual offence cases in KZN include a 12-year-old Reservoir Hills pupil being sexually groomed by a teacher and a six-year-old Esikhaleni pupil who was allegedly raped while at school. The horror of the situation is highlighted by a recent post by Jess Foord, of the Jess Foord Foundation, who stated that 'a South African girl has more chance of being raped than learning to read'. This is the sad reality of sexual offences against children in KZN. The crime statistics – for the period January 1 to March 31 - further revealed that 80 cases of rape were reported in South Africa, with KZN making up 48 of these. This figure forms part of a total of 2 127 reported cases of sexual offences in KZN during the same three months – a number that is increasing each quarter. The statistics also revealed that the Inanda SAPS had the second highest number of reported sexual assault cases in South Africa, with a 6.4% increase in the number of cases compared to the previous quarter. This while Empangeni SAPS recorded the third highest number of rape cases country-wide, with an alarming 32.8% increase from the previous quarter. It is clear that this growing epidemic – whether within our schools, at work, our homes or our neighbourhoods - is not being properly addressed. Compounding the situation is the inability of SAPS in KZN to ensure proper law enforcement when it comes to sexual offenders. This has led to many victims withdrawing charges and numerous cases being thrown out of court due to insufficient evidence for prosecution. Sexual offences, particularly those against children, also often cause various health issues, in particular mental health issues. This is amplified by little support or protection for victims who come forward to report such cases and who often still have to face their perpetrators on a daily basis. While South Africa's sex offender register is currently unavailable to the public, government, businesses and education institutions are able to access it to vet staff before they are employed. It is imperative that this takes place. Our schools, universities, NPOs, NGOs and those government institutions and businesses that work with vulnerable members of society must vet staff to ensure that they are not exposed to sex offenders. There is however a gap in the system. The sex offenders register only lists those convicted and not those accused or reported for sexual offences. This leaves the door wide open for offenders to access spaces where they can commit further sexual offences against vulnerable populations. This must change. It is clear that in order to be effective, the sex offenders register must become publicly available. It must also include a list for repeat offenders, whether criminally charged or not and a list of those who stand accused – which is not available to the general public – and whose names are then added to the public list in the event that they are found guilty. As part of the KZN's Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will approach its national counterparts, within both the social development and education sectors, in a bid to lobby for a change in legislation to ensure this takes place. We have long advocated for a whole-of-society approach to deal with South Africa's horrific rape statistics. In KZN, this approach demands that the departments of Health, Education and Social Development work together with NGOs/NPOs, community organisations, businesses, religious institutions, schools, sports clubs and other community groups to educate young people about rape, its effects on society and its consequences. A whole-of-society approach also demands that parents, teachers, neighbours, coaches, youth leaders, religious leaders and businesses partner together to ensure that both adults and children are properly educated and to ensure that appropriate sexual behaviour is maintained in society. This will also assist in reducing KZN's high teenage pregnancy rate and the ongoing and disturbing issue of the abandonment of unwanted babies. Government departments also need to initiate programmes to assist and support those individuals who commit family and sexual violence. Unless this is done, the cycle of violence will perpetuate. Further programmes must also include guidance for parents to help promote better relationships between parents and teenagers, with an accessible link between families and social services to prevent and treat family violence. All forms of sexual misconduct, no matter how minor they be perceived, must be reported and dealt with effectively. Healthcare workers and parents must immediately report any sexual abuse to SAPS – which must ensure that its officers are effectively trained to attend to rape cases with the required sensitivity. As a member of KZN's GPU, we remain committed to working towards a society that takes a firm stand against rape and sexual misconduct. Failure to do so will only see this scourge worsening over time.

Increase in sexual assault cases against teachers
Increase in sexual assault cases against teachers

IOL News

time30-05-2025

  • IOL News

Increase in sexual assault cases against teachers

File Photo: Parents demanded the removal of a teacher from Pitlochry Primary School in Westville, who was suspended by the Department of Education in April after he was accused of child grooming. He allegedly sent explicit messages to a 12-year-old pupil from the school. Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers CHILDLINE KZN is urging the Department of Education (DOE) to enforce mandatory child protection training for teachers and improve vetting processes, as statistics reveal a rise in sexual harassment cases involving teachers. Recently, the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) confirmed that 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of pupils by teachers had been referred to them for the 2024/2025 financial year. Bernice Loxton, spokesperson for the ELRC, said: 'This shocking figure is 29 cases more, compared to the previous year, when 82 cases of sexual harassment and abuse by teachers were referred to the council.' The highest number of cases was registered in KZN and Gauteng. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, in a parliamentary response in April, said that as at March 31, 2025, only 7% of teachers in KZN had been vetted against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). This is 6 661 teachers of the 91 508 teachers employed in the public sector in the province. In Gauteng, Gwarube said, 19% of teachers were vetted. Of the 77 225 teachers in Gauteng, only 21 531 were vetted. Nationally, of the 405 738 teachers employed in the public sector, only 78 509 teachers had been vetted. The NRSO is maintained by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and prevents listed individuals from being employed or placed in positions of authority, supervision or care over vulnerable persons, including children. Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KZN, said most schools were currently not safe for pupils. 'Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that currently many of our schools are not safe for pupils and the vetting of teachers and school staff is inconsistent and inadequate. 'When known offenders are able to remain in classrooms, the system has failed, and children pay the price. We are calling for the permanent removal of these teachers from the education system. To address this crisis, urgent action is needed,' she added. She said there were several contributing factors to the 'troubling increase' in teachers accused of sexual offences. 'Many teachers lack proper training on how to identify and respond to cases of abuse. In some communities, harmful cultural norms and economic pressures lead to the normalisation of inappropriate relationships between adults and minors. 'Even more disturbing is the failure of vetting systems, with some convicted sex offenders continuing to work in schools. This is a clear breach of child protection standards. We are calling on the DoE to implement mandatory child protection training for all teachers. Vetting processes must be strengthened and enforced without exception. 'Pupils should have access to safe, anonymous ways to report abuse. Community education programmes must be expanded to challenge harmful beliefs and empower families to speak out. Most importantly, survivors must be given proper support through access to counselling, legal aid, and a justice system that puts their safety first,' Naicker added. She said Childline KZN was ready to support all efforts to make the change a reality. 'Our children deserve better. They deserve to be protected, to feel safe in their schools, and to trust the adults responsible for their wellbeing. At Childline KZN, we are committed to being a safe space for children and families. We provide free and confidential counselling to those affected by abuse and work closely with victims to prepare them emotionally and mentally for court proceedings 'We also run training programmes for teachers, social workers, and other professionals, helping to equip them with the tools and understanding they need to protect and support vulnerable children,' she said. Dr Anthea Ceresto, chief executive officer for the Governing Body Foundation, said children could not speak out, so cases were receiving more attention and this was indicative in the statistics. 'There is no entrance criteria for people wanting to be teachers. The system is littered with people who should not be teaching as they are not passionate about their subject or their job description. They are teachers because that was all they could do with their matric marks,' Ceresto added. She said another issue contributing to the increase in the number of teachers accused of sexual misconduct was that teachers seldom got dismissed for their actions. 'These perverts know they will be transferred to another school. Their union will get them out of trouble. To be very fair to all concerned, I know from working in schools for many years, that male teachers are often 'caught' by girls who would give favours for good marks. When this deal turns sour, the teachers are accused of sexual harassment by these same girls. 'There is a patriarchal system that will prevail. There is power that can be exercised without consent. The breakdown of the family unit is also a contributor to the increase in sexual harassment. Boys need strong father figures that lay solid foundations of respect for women and girls. Gender inequality is very much alive and well and living. Narcissism and the lack of control of sexual urges is a growing problem which needs to be addressed,' Ceresto said.

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