Download PDFIt is alleged that a grade five teacher in Langaville Primary School (in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni) forced his learners to rub his hands and sit on his lap during classes.
The mother of a learner, who cannot be named, explained that she was shocked to see her child coming back from school earlier than usual. Her child revealed that she was scared of her teacher who would punish her for not doing her schoolwork. More concerning was that the child also told her that the teacher makes her and the other learners massage his hands during lessons.
“I immediately contacted the school to report the matter to the school principal, who promised to inform the district office,” said the mother.
In the meeting with the district office on 9 June; the district officials promised that the victims would get counselling but weeks later the learners have still not received any.
“My daughter is scared to go to school. I have to accompany her every morning and ensure her safety,” the mother said.
When concerned community leader Bafana Mazibuko called a meeting with other community leaders to discuss the safety of learners on the school’s premises; they did not show up.
Mazibuko said that a statement had not been issued by the district nor the school but the accused teacher has since been removed from the school for the learners’ safety until investigations are completed.
A similar incident was reported in 2016 at Zimisele Secondary School, KwaThema (south of Johannesburg), where a teacher was fired for impregnating one of his learners, a grade 11 pupil.
The safety of learners is often compromised in school premises where they should be protected. The Department of Basic Education needs to act quickly and seriously on such matters. They need to not only prosecute the teachers who violate learners before the frustrated community take matters in their own hands, but also enforce pro-active measure and programmes to prevent such violation from taking place on such a widespread basis.
This article was submitted on 3 July 2021. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
