Note to editors: Please find the attached English soundbite by Michael Waters MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng demands the immediate dismissal of 10 teachers who are convicted sexual offenders but still working with children at Gauteng schools.
This is unacceptable as it puts the learner’s safety and lives at risk.
This was revealed in replies to two DA oral questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
In the first response to our oral questions, the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, indicated that of the 12 teachers found to have criminal records for sexual offences, nine are still working at schools even though there is a vetting process in place.
When asked at which type of schools the 12 offenders were working, the MEC revealed that seven were at Primary Schools and five at special schools.
It is no surprise that sexual offenders target the most vulnerable in our society – young learners and those with special needs.
In the second reply, MEC Chiloane revealed that a total of 40 teachers, over the past three years, had been convicted in a court of law for sexual offences. One is still working for the department and has received a “final written warning”.
It is reprehensible that 10 sexual predators are roaming school grounds stalking their next victims and that the department allows this. Learners, parents and other teachers deserve better.
I will write to the Portfolio Committee Chairperson on Education in the Gauteng Legislature requesting the department to be called before the committee to explain itself.
A DA Gauteng-led provincial government would not tolerate sexual predators working with our children and would dismiss them immediately.