Johannesburg - The Gauteng Education department has given two contradictory figures of teachers facing charges for sexually assaulting pupils.
Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi, in his written reply to questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, said 14 teachers were facing disciplinary action.
In reply to a question by the DA’s Khume Ramulifho, Lesufi said: “Eleven of the 14 accused teachers are still undergoing disciplinary processes while serving in their posts. Three were found guilty.”
He said the department had completed the process of disciplinary action against the three employees who were found guilty, and appropriate sanctions would be determined and instituted.
But his spokesperson Steve Mabona contradicted him, saying the number charged with sexual offences was 11.
“According to our records, of the 11 sexual assault cases, six disciplinary cases have now been concluded as follows:
3 were dismissed
1 was found not guilty
1 is on two months suspension without salary
1 resigned
“While the remaining five are currently being investigated, they are on precautionary transfer to the districts to render a service while they continue being remunerated, pending the finalisation of disciplinary proceedings,” Mabona said.
He said the department had a zero-tolerance stance on allegations of sexual assault and had never hesitated to act where such allegations have been reported.
“We strongly condemn any acts of sexual misconduct in schools and always encourage pupils to report such incidents to the relevant authorities at schools accordingly. Such cases are reported to the department, and upon receipt we always act immediately for appropriate action to be taken,” he said.
According to education legislation, sexual relations between educators and pupils are forbidden, even if the pupil consents to sex.
Educators, pupils and parents have a legal and ethical duty to report such cases to the relevant authorities.
“We call on all educators to refrain from all types of misconduct because educators should lead by example to ensure that learners mirror their conduct in creating a safe school environment, conducive for effective teaching and learning.
“There are no posts for counsellors in schools. However, the school-based support teams link with NGOs and other government departments to provide counselling services to abused pupils,” Mabona said.
He said referrals were sent to specialist organisations such as Teddy Bear Clinic, Childline, Kidz Clinic and Child Welfare.
“It must be noted that pupils have access to psychological services that are provided by the district-based support teams.
Lesufi said: “Sexual assaults will never be tolerated at our schools, and perpetrators are warned that they will always be dealt with harshly.
"It is our responsibility to protect our children, especially girls."