The Free State Department of Education has welcomed the dismissal of a Makabelane Technical School teacher in Qwaqwa, eastern Free State. The teacher was dismissed for the alleged sexual assault and harassment of female learners.
According to the department, the unidentified perpetrator was fired on Monday, 12 May, following an arbitration hearing.
Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the department, says the verdict was handed down by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) after finding the educator guilty. He was found guilty of eight allegations of sexual misconduct involving three learners.
Two of the learners were 14 and 16 years old, and another was 18 years old at the time when the abuse took place between 2023 and 2024, said Ndaba. He said that, in addition, the ELRC also ruled that the educator was deemed unsuitable to work with children in terms of Section 120 (4) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.
“The department commends the department’s Labour Relations officials and ELRC for their thorough investigation and arbitration process, ensuring justice was served. We appreciate the courage of the learners who came forward to report the abuse and assure them of our continued support. The Free State Department of Education reaffirms its commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all learners.”
Howard Ndaba, spokesperson: Free State Department of Education
He said the department will also provide support and resources to survivors, “ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need. Mostly importantly we will prioritise the protection and support of our learners, ensuring they receive quality education in a safe environment.
“We urge learners and teachers who have experienced abuse or know someone who has, to report incidents to the relevant authorities,” said Ndaba.
The dismissal of the teacher comes after the DA in the Free State announced it was probing the provincial department regarding a report that 649 employees have criminal convictions. Dulandi Leech, DA spokesperson on education in the Free State Legislature, said: “These crimes include murder, rape, and drug trafficking. This is a matter of serious concern, and it is alarming to think that our children are left in the care of dangerous criminals.”
