01 April 2025
SADTU LIMPOPO PROVINCE MEDIA STATEMENT ON A TEACHER WHO ALLEGEDLY RAPED A GRADE 7 FEMALE LEARNER
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Limpopo Province has learnt with deep shock and great disappointment about the barbaric actions of a primary school teacher who allegedly raped a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner at a primary school in the Capricorn District.
This act has sent shockwaves across the province and has elicited outrage and anger in society. SADTU is appalled by such wanton acts of barbarism not expected from anyone who acts in “loco parentis” and expected to adhere to high moral code and ethics.
The Union condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the heinous act that was committed against an innocent child whose only sin was seeking an education to improve her future and livelihood. We are deeply shocked that schools which are supposed to be havens of academic excellence that nurture and mould the future of our children, still harbour paedophiles such as the teacher who preyed on an innocent child.
We are equally outraged to learn that the perpetrator is a member of our union, whose actions have a potential to create a serious reputational damage for SADTU. The Union has acted swiftly to suspend the educator’s membership pending an internal disciplinary hearing, as his actions have violated the Union’s code of conduct.
SADTU has always been at the forefront of championing for the rights of children to learn in a safe and conducive environment that protects and safeguard the well-being of both learners and teachers.
Through the “I Am a School Fan’’ campaign that is anchored upon four pillars, the union has always advocated for the entire society to protect the right to quality public education by ensuring that school property is protected against vandalism and schools are treated as oasis of academic excellence. The campaign also extends to protecting learners from any form of harm or violence. It is for this reason that acts such as the one perpetrated by the teacher against a learner leave us numb with shock.
SADTU applauds the SAPS for the swift action in arresting the culprit with a view to bring him before a court of law. We call upon other stakeholders to do the same so that we can weed out malcontents who do not respect the noble profession of teaching.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Limpopo Secretariat