Political parties and foundations welcomed the dismissal of the Makabelane Technical School teacher found guilty of sexual assault and harassment of three learners.

Citing that this decision is a big step towards keeping learners safe and making sure schools are places where they can learn and grow without fear, it is also seen as a positive move in the battle against sexual predators in Free State schools, though a broader crisis still needs to be addressed.

“Parents need to know that they are sending their children to a safe place where their well-being and dignity are protected,” said DA Free State Education spokesperson Dulandi Leech.

“There needs to be systematic changes and reforms in the Free State schooling system that will ensure comprehensive vetting and monitoring of teachers, as well as a zero-tolerance policy for offenders.”

The department must also work to prevent delays in disciplinary processes, which often allow learners to be further exposed to perpetrators, she said.

The Makabelane Technical School teacher was found guilty of eight allegations of sexual misconduct involving three learners. Two were minors aged 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 May. The council also ruled the educator was deemed unsuitable to work with children in terms of Section 120(4) of the Children's Act 38 of 2005.

“Schools should be safe places, but too many learners are still facing abuse, whether from teachers or even other learners,” said Edgar Legoale Foundation chairperson Edgar Legoale. “We need to make big changes to stop this from happening again.”

“We call on all learners who have been abused or know someone who has to speak out. Tell a teacher, a parent, or the authorities what happened.”

When learners know they can trust the adults around them, they are more likely to ask for help when they need it, he said.

The ELRC reported that 12 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of learners by teachers in the Free State were reported to them in the 2024/25 period.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg