PRETORIA – The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) on Tuesday made it clear that anyone who abuses school children should be fired.
This follows after disturbing reports where a guard sexually assaulted 80 Soweto primary school pupils and other sexual assault claims that have also emerged in recent weeks in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces.
Mugwena Maluleke, Sadtu General Secretary, said all those who are sexually assaulting school children at any level should face the full might of the law.
“We are calling for all law enforcement agencies and the department of education to ensure those who are responsible are disciplined and taken off the roll,” he said.
According to Maluleke, Sadtu will not stand by and watch innocent children being abused on any level, physically, emotionally or sexually.
“Our members know very well that you cannot engage in a sexual relationship with a learner and therefore workers know that it’s unacceptable and you can lose your membership,” said Maluleke.
The Soweto primary guard was arrested and is expected to apply for bail in the Protea North Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Maluleke says the principals behaviour and other authorities in the school has also come under scrutiny.
Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi has also visited a number of schools in the province where sexual assault claims have been reported.
Leave a Reply