Andisa Bonani

Do you think children are safe in schools considering the many reports of sexual abuse that have come to light? The Rep reporter took to the streets of Komani to find out.

Nokuphumla Mbhalo from Zingquthu village

They are not safe at all, especially in villages where there are no awareness campaigns about sexual violence. Children are molested by their teachers and are scared to report them because all they know is to obey their teachers and to do as they are told.

Khakalethu Mhlauli from Komani

There needs to be personality and psychological tests for teachers before they are placed in schools. We must encourage children to speak up if they felt violated in any way by anyone. I also think surveillance cameras in classes and corridors would help eradicate the scourge.

Balungile Ralarala from Ezibeleni

The problem is this “freedom” we are all enjoying that makes perpetrators think they can do as they please to other people. Children are not safe and police negligence contributes to the number of rape cases that are not reported due to victimisation.

Viginia von Schaeffer from Victoria Park

Children would be safe, subject to parents teaching them about morals and to stay away from sex before marriage. The people who rape, were also once children, therefore it is important to teach morality from an early age and also for children to speak up and not to be intimidated by immoral adults.

Avela Kafula from Komani

Children are not safe in schools. There should be security to monitor teachers’ and children’s behaviour and to report any acts contrary to those acceptable on school premises. It is also important for each school to have a social worker so that if such an awful incident happens, they are able to speak to someone.