Lerato Mutlanyane

An educator at Makabalane Technical  School in Phuthaditjhaba was dismissed with immediate effect after he was  found guilty of several

allegations of sexual misconduct involving three  learners of which two are minors,  14 and 16 years and the other 18 years. 

The Department of Education accepted the verdict handed down by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) to the educator in

question.

After a thorough investigation, it was ruled that the educator was unfit to work with children in terms of Section 120(4) of Children’s Act 38 of

2005. 

ELRC was commended profusely for a great investigation and ensuring the prevalence of justice is served.

Edgar Legoale Foundation urged the department to act fast on sexual abuse at the school level and says precautionary measures must taken.

 “We welcome the decision by the ELRC  to dismiss the teacher and to rule that they are not fit to work with children.

“ This is an important step in protecting learners, but we also believe that being fired from a teaching job is not enough. Sexual assault is not

just a workplace problem, it is a serious crime. The teacher must also face the full arm of the law, and justice must be served.” 

“This foundation is aimed at helping young people through education, leadership development, and anti-drug awareness but they will soon

venture into programs that will help victims of sexual assault, he said.

A spokesperson for the department of education, Howard Ndaba says the department is committed to creating a safe and supportive

environment for all learners and will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and respond to incidents of abuse and they will also provide

support to survivors.