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Sexual abuse

Rise in Sexual Harassment Cases Involving Teachers Highlights Need for Mandatory Child Protection Training and Improved Vetting

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Department of Education (DoE) is under increasing pressure to address the growing issue of sexual harassment involving teachers, with a recent surge in reported cases highlighting the need for comprehensive child protection training and enhanced vetting processes. According to the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of pupils by teachers were referred to them for the 2024/2025 financial year, a 29-case increase from the previous year. The highest number of cases was registered in KZN and Gauteng, with Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube revealing that only 7% of teachers in KZN had been vetted against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) as of March 31.

Key Takeaways:

  • 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of pupils by teachers were reported to the ELRC for the 2024/2025 financial year, a 29-case increase from the previous year.
  • The highest number of cases was registered in KZN and Gauteng, with 77 cases and 22 cases reported respectively.
  • Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube disclosed that only 7% of teachers in KZN had been vetted against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) as of March 31.
  • Nationally, only 19% of teachers in Gauteng and 7% in KZN had been vetted against the NRSO.
  • Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KZN, emphasized the need for mandatory child protection training for all teachers, strengthened vetting processes, and the permanent removal of teachers accused of sexual misconduct from the education system.
  • Naicker also called for the implementation of safe and anonymous ways for pupils to report abuse, expansion of community education programs to challenge harmful beliefs, and provision of counseling and legal aid support for survivors.
  • Dr. Anthea Ceresto, chief executive officer for the Governing Body Foundation, highlighted the lack of entrance criteria for teachers, inconsistent vetting, and inadequate dismissal processes contributing to the increase in reported cases.
  • Thirona Moodley, chief executive officer of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa, called for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct among teachers, with automatic dismissal for those found guilty.

Statistics:

  • 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of pupils by teachers reported to the ELRC for the 2024/2025 financial year
  • 77 cases of sexual harassment and abuse reported in KZN
  • 22 cases of sexual harassment and abuse reported in Gauteng
  • 7% of teachers in KZN vetted against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) as of March 31
  • 19% of teachers in Gauteng vetted against the NRSO
  • 78,509 teachers nationally vetted against the NRSO

Sources:

  • "Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC)"
  • "Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education"
  • "Adeshini Naicker, Director of Childline KZN"
  • "Dr. Anthea Ceresto, Chief Executive Officer for the Governing Body Foundation"
  • "Thirona Moodley, Chief Executive Officer of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa"

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