National
Report reveals sexual abuse in schools on the rise─── 08:09 Tue, 13 May 2014
Duane Petrus
Bloemfontein - A report compiled by various institutions reveals that many teachers sexually abuse their pupils, and face little or no consequences for the crimes.
The report, titled, Sexual Violence by Educators in South African Schools: Gaps in Accountability, says many people convicted of these crimes often later teach at private schools or in other provinces with their criminal record unnoticed.
Timeslive reported that it was compiled by Wits University's Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Cornell Law School's Avon Global Centre for Women and Justice, and the International Human Rights Clinic.
Basil Manuel, President of teachers' organisation, Naptosa, says the sexual offenders register should be updated regularly to prevent convicted educators from having further access to pupils.
He says in addition to this, Naptosa would like to see much a more stringent application of laws protecting children.
Manuel says a lack of coordination between stakeholders like education department civil society and courts contributes to these perpetrators having continued access to children.
Basil Manuel:
