Johannesburg – Gauteng MEC of Education, Panyaza Lesufi, said on Tuesday that he would be calling a meeting with all boys schools to address the issue of sexual assaults and the stigma attached to such incidents which in many cases discouraged abused children from being reported.
During a briefing at Parktown Boys High School, Lesufi said: "There's rivalry between these boys schools, we must not put pressure on them to think they can't report because they are from a boys school. Boys are human beings".
A 22-year-old water polo coach was arrested in November 2016 after the school discovered via CCTV footage that learners were being sexually assaulted at their boarding facility.
The man is facing charges of sexual assault and rape.
He is out on R3 000 bail.
"We are saddened because every school should be a place of happiness, joy and education for everyone. No one should feel let down on our premises," Lesufi said.
The CCTV footage reportedly showed the coach touching the boys in the common room of the hostel and later in one of the victim's bedroom.
"A meeting will be held with all boys schools in the district to share notes and to formulate a protocol that needs to be followed by all schools when assistance is needed," Lesufi said on Tuesday.
He said that he had made sure that the district had provided the necessary support to the learners.
Earlier, the MEC addressed the entire school saying: "I rate your school as one of the best performing schools in the province, whether it's in the sporting or academic calendar. We need to protect that integrity."
The polo coach accused of abusing schoolboys resigned immediately after the alleged incidents came to light, as a result no disciplinary action was taken against him.
However, a criminal case was opened. Lesufi used the occasion to encourage boys to report any such abuse to school heads.
"We needed to get a detailed report from the management of the school and I'm convinced that they are managing the situation properly," Lesufi added.
"When the story broke, we were requested to confirm that the matter occurred and we had to ask the district and the report was got that there was no formal report, the district felt it wasn't properly reported."
Lesufi said that he had come to address the boys to ensure that they weren't feeling vulnerable while they were writing exams.
"We have to deal with the issues and cultures of these institutions," he said.