Latest news with #PitlochryPrimarySchool
IOL News
30-05-2025
- IOL News
Increase in sexual assault cases against teachers
File Photo: Parents demanded the removal of a teacher from Pitlochry Primary School in Westville, who was suspended by the Department of Education in April after he was accused of child grooming. He allegedly sent explicit messages to a 12-year-old pupil from the school. Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers CHILDLINE KZN is urging the Department of Education (DOE) to enforce mandatory child protection training for teachers and improve vetting processes, as statistics reveal a rise in sexual harassment cases involving teachers. Recently, the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) confirmed that 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of pupils by teachers had been referred to them for the 2024/2025 financial year. Bernice Loxton, spokesperson for the ELRC, said: 'This shocking figure is 29 cases more, compared to the previous year, when 82 cases of sexual harassment and abuse by teachers were referred to the council.' The highest number of cases was registered in KZN and Gauteng. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, in a parliamentary response in April, said that as at March 31, 2025, only 7% of teachers in KZN had been vetted against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). This is 6 661 teachers of the 91 508 teachers employed in the public sector in the province. In Gauteng, Gwarube said, 19% of teachers were vetted. Of the 77 225 teachers in Gauteng, only 21 531 were vetted. Nationally, of the 405 738 teachers employed in the public sector, only 78 509 teachers had been vetted. The NRSO is maintained by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and prevents listed individuals from being employed or placed in positions of authority, supervision or care over vulnerable persons, including children. Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KZN, said most schools were currently not safe for pupils. 'Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that currently many of our schools are not safe for pupils and the vetting of teachers and school staff is inconsistent and inadequate. 'When known offenders are able to remain in classrooms, the system has failed, and children pay the price. We are calling for the permanent removal of these teachers from the education system. To address this crisis, urgent action is needed,' she added. She said there were several contributing factors to the 'troubling increase' in teachers accused of sexual offences. 'Many teachers lack proper training on how to identify and respond to cases of abuse. In some communities, harmful cultural norms and economic pressures lead to the normalisation of inappropriate relationships between adults and minors. 'Even more disturbing is the failure of vetting systems, with some convicted sex offenders continuing to work in schools. This is a clear breach of child protection standards. We are calling on the DoE to implement mandatory child protection training for all teachers. Vetting processes must be strengthened and enforced without exception. 'Pupils should have access to safe, anonymous ways to report abuse. Community education programmes must be expanded to challenge harmful beliefs and empower families to speak out. Most importantly, survivors must be given proper support through access to counselling, legal aid, and a justice system that puts their safety first,' Naicker added. She said Childline KZN was ready to support all efforts to make the change a reality. 'Our children deserve better. They deserve to be protected, to feel safe in their schools, and to trust the adults responsible for their wellbeing. At Childline KZN, we are committed to being a safe space for children and families. We provide free and confidential counselling to those affected by abuse and work closely with victims to prepare them emotionally and mentally for court proceedings 'We also run training programmes for teachers, social workers, and other professionals, helping to equip them with the tools and understanding they need to protect and support vulnerable children,' she said. Dr Anthea Ceresto, chief executive officer for the Governing Body Foundation, said children could not speak out, so cases were receiving more attention and this was indicative in the statistics. 'There is no entrance criteria for people wanting to be teachers. The system is littered with people who should not be teaching as they are not passionate about their subject or their job description. They are teachers because that was all they could do with their matric marks,' Ceresto added. She said another issue contributing to the increase in the number of teachers accused of sexual misconduct was that teachers seldom got dismissed for their actions. 'These perverts know they will be transferred to another school. Their union will get them out of trouble. To be very fair to all concerned, I know from working in schools for many years, that male teachers are often 'caught' by girls who would give favours for good marks. When this deal turns sour, the teachers are accused of sexual harassment by these same girls. 'There is a patriarchal system that will prevail. There is power that can be exercised without consent. The breakdown of the family unit is also a contributor to the increase in sexual harassment. Boys need strong father figures that lay solid foundations of respect for women and girls. Gender inequality is very much alive and well and living. Narcissism and the lack of control of sexual urges is a growing problem which needs to be addressed,' Ceresto said.
IOL News
27-04-2025
- IOL News
Teacher 'sent' explicit messages to pupil (12) on TikTok
Parents and community members staged a protest outside Pitlochry Primary School in Westville after allegations of child grooming by a teacher emerged recently. A PRIMARY school teacher is facing charges of child grooming after he allegedly sent explicit messages to a 12-year-old pupil on TikTok. Muzi Mahlambi, spokesperson for the KZN Department of Education, confirmed on Tuesday that the teacher was previously involved in a similar incident at another school and had been suspended. Mahlambi said the current matter had been reported to the principal on April 5. 'It was also reported to the circuit manager on the same day, who then instituted an investigation. The findings and recommendations are now on the desk of the department's head, for him to apply his mind and take the appropriate actions. The department is very disappointed and frowns at such alleged behaviour by teachers in our schools.' On Tuesday morning, parents and concerned community members gathered outside Pitlochry Primary School in Westville, demanding answers - including why the teacher had not been arrested to date. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, confirmed Sydenham SAPS was investigating a case of child grooming, following reports that a man had allegedly sent explicit messages to a 12-year-old girl. Some of the parents, who spoke to the POST, said they were 'horrified' after hearing about the alleged incident on the television news on Monday night. It was alleged that the teacher had sent messages to the Grade 7 pupil on the social media platform, TikTok, in early April. In the message, he allegedly asked her, 'Do you use one finger or two?', followed by 'I asked which finger you use on yourself…'. In her alleged response, the pupil said: 'You're so dirty minded. I don't use any finger.' The teacher allegedly went on to say that she should not tell anyone about the messages. "Listen, please promise me you won't tell anybody, and I mean NOBODY that you chat to me,' the message read. After hearing the allegations, the parents demanded that the teacher not return to school on Tuesday. They called for his permanent removal from the school and if found guilty, from the education sector. Veran Jankee, who has two children at the school - in grades 5 and 7 - said they had been informed that the education department had issued a directive that the teacher not attend school on Tuesday. 'They have termed it as a precautionary removal. However, while investigations are ongoing and I don't want to prejudge, there has been talks that this was not the first such incident with him. It has been alleged this also occurred when he taught at other schools. However, if the allegations are found to be true then he should be removed from the education system and not have access to any child. 'As a parent, all we want is for our children to be safe, especially when they are at school. We don't need such 'predators' using the opportunity of school to approach our children. Thankfully, the parent of the alleged victim noticed a change in her behaviour and started digging further. She notified the school. If she was not vigilant, who knows how long or far this would have gone,' he said. Nerusha Maharaj, the mother of a Grade 5 male pupil, said she had found out about the alleged incident from watching the news. 'While we understand that the school has to follow protocols, we are the parents and have every right to know. It is sad and frustrating that this happened weeks ago but we had to hear about it on the news. Furthermore, he was moved from teaching to doing admin work. But he was still on the premises, so how was that protecting the children? The education department needs to move faster when dealing with such issues and be more transparent as this is our children's lives that are being compromised.' Neema Keshav, the mother of a Grade 4 female pupil, said it was scary to hear about such allegations at the school. 'We send our children to school so they can have a brighter future, but this causes a great darkness over that dream. It is a horrible feeling as a parent as you now have to ask your child if anyone, be it a teacher or a fellow pupil had 'touched or misbehaved with them'. 'You also have to explain to them why you are asking these questions. It is difficult. We should not have to be asking our children these questions. However, we didn't expect this at the school and we hope that it will be dealt with properly,' she said. Dinesh Ramsunder, whose child is in Grade 5 said: 'To have an alleged sexual perpetrator in the same school as your child is of great concern. But I am now standing up, not only for my child, but for all and calling on the education department to deal with this swiftly. In addition, there is a case that has been opened and the investigation should not be dragged out.' Alicia Kissoon, ward 23 councillor, said she had been approached by several concerned parents. She, together with parent representatives engaged with the school management to provide feedback to those present at the protest. 'While I am not the councillor for the ward in which the incident occurred, several of the parents who were at the protest, are residents of my ward. These parents are deeply distressed by the serious allegations involving a senior teacher and have called for greater transparency and accountability. The protest reflects a wider outcry for urgent intervention to ensure pupils safety. 'While I cannot comment on the specifics of the case to safeguard the privacy of the minor involved, it is imperative that this issue be addressed with the seriousness and urgency it warrants. The education department must also communicate clearly and act decisively to address the matter with sensitivity and integrity,' she said. Thirona Moodley, the chief executive officer of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA (Naptosa) in KZN, said they condemned any act of sexual grooming or advances of a sexual nature between a teacher and pupil. 'Teachers stand in for parents while pupils are at school. They are supposed to protect pupils and not use their positions to exploit them. 'However, we can't be judge and jury before these allegations are tested. In addition, the education department must investigate and report their findings to all concerned.' THE POST
IOL News
22-04-2025
- IOL News
Investigation launched into KZN teacher's alleged sexual misconduct at Pitlochry Primary School
An investigation is underway by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) into allegations that a teacher had sent a grade 7 learner text messages of a sexual nature at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville. Several parents and concerned residents staged a protest outside the school on Tuesday calling for the removal of the teacher. Spokesperson for the DoE, Muzi Mahlambi, said the matter was reported to the school principal on April 5, 2025. Mahlambi said the circuit manager instituted an investigation immediately. 'The findings and the recommendations are now at the desk of the head of the department to apply his mind and take appropriate actions. We are very disappointed as the department to have such a character teaching our learners. The department frowns at such behaviour,' Mahlambi said. KwaZulu-Natal Parents Association chairperson, Vee Gani, said the matter was brought to his attention on Thursday. Gani said the matter was already being investigated by the DoE. Gani said the complaint was lodged with supporting evidence, and that the DoE should have acted immediately to remove or suspend the teacher. Gani said the department must not place him at another school. On vetting of teachers, Gani said it had a good and bad notion. Gani said a teacher can be cleared today but the nature of the person can change tomorrow. 'Even though vetted, they can still cause a crime. The department should have acted with speed and should have protected the reputation of the school. The relevant parties should have gotten involved to minimise the reputational risk,' he said. Gani said that parents must be vigilant and monitor their children's cellphone. Gani said role-players must do all that they can to prevent it from happening again. 'It gets worse when a protector becomes a violator. I hope justice takes its course and if he is found guilty the department must dispense whatever sanction is appropriate for the crime. Putting an article on social media opens the door for all sorts of blame games to happen,' Gani said. Thirona Moodley, National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) chief executive officer, said they are against any act of sexual grooming or any advances of a sexual nature between an educator and learners. 'Educators stand in for parents while learners are at school .They are to protect learners and not use their positions to exploit our learners. These are allegations that must be tested and before that we cannot be judge and jury. It is for this reason the department must investigate and report their findings to all concerned,' Moodley said. Concerned parent Lee Maharajh said the outcome of the awareness protest on Tuesday did not yield the desired results they expected. Maharajh said parents have been left frustrated with the process. "We wanted answers as parents and community activists as to why it took so long for the school to give feedback on this matter, even via the D6 communicator app. The school failed to give us answers. Instead they chose to go the silenct route. Parents have heard about the matter through social media and television news. We wait with bated breath for the outcome of the investigation," Maharajh said Sydenham police are investigating a case of child grooming following reports that a man was allegedly sending explicit messages to a 12-year-old girl, said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda. [email protected]
IOL News
22-04-2025
- IOL News
Investigation launched into teacher's alleged sexual misconduct at Pitlochry Primary School
An investigation is underway by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) into allegations that a teacher had sent a grade 7 learner text messages of a sexual nature at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville. Several parents and concerned residents staged a protest outside the school on Tuesday calling for the removal of the teacher. Spokesperson for the DoE, Muzi Mahlambi, said the matter was reported to the school principal on April 5, 2025. Mahlambi said the circuit manager instituted an investigation immediately. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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KwaZulu-Natal Parents Association chairperson, Vee Gani, said the matter was brought to his attention on Thursday. Gani said the matter was already being investigated by the DoE. Gani said the complaint was lodged with supporting evidence, and that the DoE should have acted immediately to remove or suspend the teacher. Gani said the department must not place him at another school. On vetting of teachers, Gani said it had a good and bad notion. Gani said a teacher can be cleared today but the nature of the person can change tomorrow. 'Even though vetted they can still cause a crime. The department should have acted with speed and should have protected the reputation of the school. The relevant parties should have gotten involved to minimise the reputational risk,' he said. Gani said that parents must be vigilant and monitor their children's cellphone. Gani said role-players must do all that they can to prevent it from happening again. 'It gets worse when a protector becomes a violator. I hope justice takes its course and if he is found guilty the department must dispense whatever sanction is appropriate for the crime. Putting an article on social media opens the door for all sorts of blame games to happen,' Gani said. Thirona Moodley, National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) chief executive officer, said they are against any act of sexual grooming or any advances of a sexual nature between an educator and learners. 'Educators stand in for parents while learners are at school .They are to protect learners and not use their positions to exploit our learners. These are allegations that must be tested and before that we cannot be judge and jury. It is for this reason the department must investigate and report their findings to all concerned,' Moodley said. Concerned parent Lee Maharajh said the outcome of the awareness protest on Tuesday did not yield the desired results they expected. Maharajh said parents have been left frustrated with the process. "We wanted answers as parents and community activists as to why it took so long for the school to give feedback on this matter even via the D6 communicator app. The school failed to give us answers. Instead they chose to go on the silence route. Parents have heard about the matter through social media and television news. We wait with bated breath for the outcome of the investigation," Maharajh said Sydenham police are investigating a case of child grooming following reports that a man was allegedly sending explicit messages to a 12-year-old girl, said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
