Sex abuse claims rock EC schools

SCANDAL: MEC LAUNCHES PROBE AS PUPILS PROTEST

- Enkosi Selane

The Eastern Cape department of education has launched investigations into multiple cases of alleged sexual abuse and harassment of pupils by teachers in several schools.

The investigations follow disturbing videos that surfaced on social media implicating teachers in sexual misconduct against pupils.

Education MEC Fundile Gade condemned the allegations and vowed to take action to protect children's constitutional rights.

The department is collaborating with stakeholders and the South African Police Service to investigate the cases, Gade said.

"We call upon our principals, teachers and their unions, together with SGBs [school governing bodies], to do everything possible to protect children and expose teachers who abuse and victimise pupils," he said.

Several schools across the Eastern Cape have been named in the growing scandal.

St John's College in Mthatha became the centre of protests when pupils took to the streets over sexual harassment allegations against male teachers.

Six teachers from the prestigious institution have been suspended pending internal investigations.