NGO: Schäfer’s order to stop school operations ‘political opportunism’

ADVOCACY group Equal Education (EE) rejected what it described as “political opportunism” by Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, who gave them until the end of business yesterday to cease all operations at schools in the province.

Schäfer asked the organisation to cease its operations from schools amid allegations of sexual harassment against three of its leaders.

“EE received a letter from her office requesting ‘not to engage with any learners in the Western Cape’ until a meeting between EE and her office is held.

“We must be clear that Schäfer’s current request, that we not engage learners in the Western Cape, does not only reflect a misunderstanding of the nature of EE’s work, but is also overly broad and unjustified,” said EE.

The organisation welcomed any opportunity to fully engage with Schäfer on all of the matters raised in her letter and will propose they meet urgently.

“The right of freedom of association of EE’s membership in the Western Cape will be unreasonably and unjustifiably curtailed by any such blanket restriction on EE. The suggestion that EE’s learner members – equalisers – could not engage each other is unreasonable and impractical, and we trust that this is not the intention of MEC Schäfer,” said the organisation.

EE’s co-founder, Doron Isaacs, general secretary Tshepo Motsepe and head of national organising Luyolo Mazwembe have all resigned, following complaints by female staff members.

Earlier this week, Schäfer said: “Equal Education works in schools across the province and, while at least some of the allegations appear to be from people within the staff of the organisation, it is not clear whether any learners are involved. In addition, if the allegations are correct, this is hardly the type of person we need working in our schools.”

The organisation said their policies prohibit relationships between staff or volunteers and pupils, and clearly state that the offence was a first offence dismissal. EE said they had acted swiftly and decisively to deal with every allegation of sexual harassment that has been put before it.

Shäfer’s spokesperson, Jessica Shelver, said: “The MEC’s statement was not politically opportunistic, it was completely necessary, given the very serious allegations made against several EE staff members. It would have been irresponsible for her to simply do nothing.

“EE would have been the first to criticise the MEC should another organisation that works in our schools have been accused of the same.

“Learner safety is of paramount importance and we look forward to engaging with Equal Education in determining the way forward.”