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Education experts and gender-based violence activists have blamed the authorities for failing to address the statutory rape cases taking place in schools throughout the country.
The experts were reacting to recent statistics released by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), which indicated that from 2021-22 to 2025-26, 176 teachers were found guilty of sexual misconduct involving the harassment of girls and boys.
The statistics show that out of 211 reported cases of sexual misconduct, 35 teachers were found not guilty.
ELRC did not specify how many cases are pending or have not yet been addressed. The cases of statutory rape are on the rise.
Calls for stronger law enforcement and parental vigilance
During a recent sitting of the parliamentary portfolio committee on education, it was revealed that KwaZulu-Natal has 30 statutory rape charges levelled against teachers.
“There is no doubt that cases of statutory rape and sexual assault of pupils are a cause for great concern, not only for the authorities, but for society in general,” education expert Hendrick Makaneta said.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted and that justice prevails.”
Makaneta has urged parents of abused pupils not to accept bribes from the perpetrators and to allow the law to take its course for the ultimate well-being of the victims.
He also said teachers should be taken through regular workshops as a mechanism to help end such conduct.
“Schools should also provide psychosocial support to every pupil who is a victim,” Makaneta said.
National education bodies warn of a deepening crisis
National Association of School Governing Bodies general secretary Matakanye Matakanye said the sexual abuse of pupils by their teachers was a national problem that needed immediate attention.
“The department of basic education has the power to stop the crisis,” Matakanye said.
South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) national spokesperson Nomusa Cembi said her organisation was concerned about the rising number of cases of serious misconduct against teachers.
Cembi said Sadtu sensitises members on how they should conduct themselves through its code of conduct, which prohibits the abuse of children.
“We run workshops with members on the latest legislation amendments regarding sexual offences,” said Cembi.
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