SADTU slams teachers who abuse learners
30 April 2009
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) welcomes the prompt action taken by the KZN education department in investigating and suspending teachers at a Durban high school who allegedly provided money and alcohol to learners in exchange for sex. Further to this, the Union calls for the following urgent action to be taken:
- Speedy investigation and disciplinary action by the Department of Education which has the power to dismiss teachers found guilty of sexual abuse;
- Prompt action by the police to investigate and charge any individuals where there is evidence of statutory rape;
- The South African Council for Educators (SACE) must also investigate the individuals concerned.
- SACE has the statutory powers to strike teachers off the roll so that they can never teach in South Africa again.
As a Union, SADTU has taken the following actions:
- We have instructed the SADTU provincial and regional structures to investigate the facts of the case, as a preliminary step towards establishing a disciplinary committee;
- We have called on all SADTU members who have evidence of sexual abuse in this or any other case to come forward and blow the whistle. This is the moral and legal duty of every teacher.
The Union takes the view that every effort needs to be made to protect our learners from the predatory activity of a minority of teachers who bring the profession into disrepute.
Issued by: SADTU Secretariat
CONTACTS:
Thobile Ntola, President 079 491 3258
Thulas Nxesi, General Secretary 082 460 2736
Mugwena Maluleke, Deputy General Secretary 082 783 2968
Jon Lewis, Media Officer 082 567 5628