THE Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) has revealed that 30 male teachers have been fired for sexual misconduct since April 2023.
The council's research and media manager, Bernice Loxton said most of the teachers who were fired are from KZN and Gauteng.
She said when a sexual misconduct case is reported, it's also the responsibility of the reporter (parent, school, Department of Education, etc.) to report it to the police.
The council, through its processes, ensures that the case is reported to the South African Council of Educators (SACE) and the Department of Social Development for inclusion in the Registrar of Sexual Offences.
“The 30 teachers who were fired are all male. There has been a noticeable decline when comparing the two financial years, 2022/23 and 2021/22. The council received 82 sexual misconduct cases in 2022/23 and 94 in 2021/22. To date, we have received 69 cases for the 2023/24 financial year, ending 31 March 2024,” she said.
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She said that the council received an average of eight to 10 cases on a monthly basis.
“Continuous advocacy on the role and responsibilities of teachers and the rights of pupils can be done to ensure pupils are always safe at schools and such acts are prevented. The council continues to play its part and will intensify its efforts to ensure pupils and teachers alike are aware of the role of the ELRC in curbing the sexual abuse of pupils,” said Loxton.
Asked if pupils find it easy to report such cases, Loxton said it's easier for children to report to parents and the onus is then on the parents to ensure it is escalated to the school level and the Department of Education.
She said the pupil’s age and how they are affected by the abuse may determine whether they report the abuse or not.
Loxton said in cases where a teacher is found not guilty, it means that the independent commissioner determined that the alleged misconduct was not committed through a lack of evidence. The teacher therefore remains in the profession.
