‘R10m spent on teachers suspended over sexual misconduct’

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng shadow MEC for education, Khume Ramulifho, revealed that the Gauteng department of education (GDE) has spent over R10 million on teachers placed on precautionary suspension over sexual misconduct.

Ramulifho said Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane disclosed in a written reply that they had 173 sexual allegations against teachers in the past five years.

He said sexual misconduct in the province was a burning issue and that pupils continue to suffer under the teachers who are tasked with the responsibility of taking care of them at school.

“This is appalling and a clear indication that innocent lives are at risk, said Ramulifho.

Of the 173 allegations of sexual misconduct against teachers, 29 teachers were placed on precautionary suspension and six are currently on precautionary suspension.”

Chiloane further divulged that 86 teachers were still employed despite sexual misconduct allegations against them.

He said around 87 teachers were found guilty and dismissed by the GDE.

Ramulifho stressed that sexual misconduct should be eradicated to create a safer learning space and the department should ensure those found guilty face legal responsibility and accountability.

“Furthermore, it is deeply concerning that the department does not keep records of cases that were reported to the police.

“The department states that the reporting is not the responsibility of labour relations and the victims were encouraged to open criminal cases with the South African Police Service,” he added.

This means that teachers who are found guilty are laid off without facing any criminal justice.

Ramulifho said the DA demands that Chiloane speeds up investigation processes to save the department from spending money on teachers placed on suspension.

“In addition, l will directly engage with the MEC to ascertain why the department is not opening [criminal] cases against teachers found to be guilty of sexual misconduct,” he added.

“We also demand that the department submit and register the names of all the teachers found guilty of sexual misconduct under the National Register for Sex Offenders.”

Ramulifho emphasised this would ensure that teachers found guilty of sexual allegations are banned from working with minors.