Central SA
Free State Education to prioritise learners’ safety─── ZENANDE MPAME 10:22 Mon, 19 May 2025
The Free State Department of Education reaffirms its commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all learners after a teacher from Phuthaditjhaba was dismissed for the sexual assault and harassment of learners.
The Makabelane Technical and Commercial School teacher was found guilty of eight allegations of sexual misconduct involving three learners. Two were minors (14 and 16), and the other was 18 years old at the time of the abuse.
The teacher was dismissed with immediate effect following an arbitration hearing by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) on Monday (12/5). The council also ruled that the educator was deemed unsuitable to work with children in terms of Section 120(4) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.
“The department commends the Labour Relations officials and ELRC respectively for their thorough investigation and arbitration process, ensuring justice was served,” said Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba.
“We appreciate the courage of the learners who came forward to report the abuse and assure them of our continued support, and we will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and respond to incidents of abuse.”
The department will prioritise the protection and support of our learners, ensuring they receive quality education in a safe environment, he said.
IOL reports that the ELRC confirmed in April that 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of learners by teachers were referred to them in the 2024/25 financial year.
The Makabelane Technical and Commercial School teacher was found guilty of eight allegations of sexual misconduct. Photo: Facebook/ Makabelane Technical School
The Free State reported twelve cases to the council, North West seven, Gauteng 16, and leading is KwaZulu-Natal with 25.
SowetanLive reports that of the 111 matters brought before the council, 39 educators were found guilty, and there was insufficient evidence against implicated educators in the remaining cases.
This represents a 35,4% increase from the 82 cases reported in the previous year and highlights the need for stronger systemic reforms to protect children in schools.
“The department will provide support and resources to survivors, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need,” said Ndaba. “We urge learners and teachers who have experienced abuse or know someone who has to report incidents to the relevant authorities.”
