Increase in sexual assault cases against teachers

CHILDLINE KZN is urging the Department of Education (DoE) to enforce mandatory child protection training for teachers and improve vetting processes, as statistics reveal a rise in sexual harassment cases involving teachers.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

Recently, the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) confirmed that 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of pupils by teachers had been referred to them for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Bernice Loxton, spokesperson for the ELRC, said: “This shocking figure is 29 cases more, compared to the previous year, when 82 cases of sexual harassment and abuse by teachers were referred to the council.”

The highest number of cases was registered in KZN and Gauteng.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, in a parliamentary response in April, said that as at March 31 this year, only 7% of teachers in KZN had been vetted against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO).

This is 6,661 teachers of the 91,508 teachers employed in the public sector in the province.

In Gauteng, Gwarube said, 19% of teachers were vetted.

Of the 77,225 teachers in Gauteng, only 21,531 were vetted.

Nationally, of the 405,738 teachers employed in the public sector, only 78,509 teachers had been vetted.

The NRSO is maintained by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and prevents listed individuals from being employed or placed in positions of authority, supervision or care over vulnerable persons, including children.

Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KZN, said most schools were currently not safe for pupils.

“Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that currently many of our schools are not safe for pupils, and the vetting of teachers and school staff is inconsistent and inadequate.