DA to intensify monitoring of GBV cases in Upington
| by Fawzia Rhoda, MPL – DA Constituency Head of Bo-Karoo Error! Filename not specified.Date: 28 October 2019Release: Immediate The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape is deeply concerned by the high rate of sexual offences taking place at schools across the country and the province.In the latest incident, the deputy principal of Colesberg High School was suspended following allegations of sexual misconduct against him. It is believed that at least 15 learners of the school hostel submitted complaints relating to sexual harassment by the deputy-principal, including complaints of him spying on them. The complaints were submitted on 23 August 2019 and the deputy-principal was subsequently suspended on 1 October 2019.This whole matter is very worrying indeed.Schools, and school hostels, are meant to be considered safe places for our children, yet they are increasingly becoming the playground of sexual predators.Not long ago, we learned of a teacher-in-training, at a school in Orania, who was accused of the statutory rape of a pupil. Just before that, there was the controversial re-appointment of a former Kakamas school principal as the school’s administrator, despite him having previously been found guilty on a sexual offence charge. After public outcry, the appointment was eventually rescinded.The DA is appealing to the Northern Cape Department of Education to take a firmer stance against all sexual misconduct cases in schools.The department should not take a month and a half to react to allegations of sexual crimes in schools. Rather, immediate precautionary suspensions should be enforced until such time as the law can be allowed to take its course.The department should also ensure that there are more measures in place to prevent teachers from taking advantage of learners, especially in places such as school hostels, that especially make learners vulnerable to offenders.Educators or officials found guilty of sexual misconduct should further be banned for life from working with, or in close proximity of learners. In this regard, the department should take a keener interest in the National Register for Sexual Offenders. They should take ownership of ensuring that the names of educators and officials found guilty of sexual offences are added to the list and that regular checks are done against this list.The DA will write to MEC Mac Jack asking that the department urgently gives attention to the scourge of sexual offences taking place in the province’s schools.In order to protect our children, we all need to work together to create a safe school environment. Learner safety must come first and the department must at all times demonstrate an attitude of zero-tolerance for sexual abuse. Media Enquiries Fawzia Rhoda, MPLDA Constituency Head of Bo-Karoo082 408 8070 Johan Matthee, CllrDA Caucus Whip of Umsobomvu Municipality078 740 9930 Shelley De WittResearcher082 847 1387 |
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