Cutting Edge | Sexual assault in EC schools

Описание: A 20-year-old rape victim from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape recounts her ordeal after she was allegedly raped repeatedly by her pastor, who was also a teacher. The teacher impregnated his victim and allegedly gave her pills to terminate the pregnancy without her knowledge. He continued to rape her while using protection afterwards and only stopped after the victim’s family eventually opened a case at the Tsolo Police Station early in 2025. Police say the arrest is looming. The victim has been granted permission by Rhodes University to study from home so that she can attend psychological therapy sessions, as she has been diagnosed with depression.

In the second case study, a learner from St John’s College in Mthatha says she contemplated taking her own life after she was allegedly offered a lift by a teacher—older than her father—who touched her inappropriately along the way. The teacher allegedly demanded a hug and a kiss before allowing her to leave. The incidents occurred in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

A case has been opened, and investigations are underway. Seven teachers have been suspended from St John’s College alone, accused of engaging in sexual relationships with learners—an act that is unlawful under the Educators’ Act of 1998. Learners from St John’s College recently raised alarm over an increasing number of such incidents, alleging that some of these relationships were non-consensual.

A teacher from Ngangelizwe High School is among those suspended by the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education after he allegedly lured a learner to his house and raped her.

SADTU in the province has condemned the implicated teachers, saying their actions bring the profession into disrepute.

Children’s Rights Organisation KHULA has called on the Department of Education to ensure that both the SACE Code of Ethics and the Department’s regulations are fully implemented to dismiss those found guilty of misconduct

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