EDITOR – Child protection authority, Childline KZN is outraged by the alleged sex abuse faced by six school pupils by a teacher in Nquthu, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The incident is outrageous and such behaviour should never be tolerated. It is shocking that such incidences of sexual abuse continue to happen to children and even more shocking, they are perpetrated by the people who are in the position of trust.
Parents place full trust in teachers while their children attend school and in addition form a strong part of the support network where children often confide in their teachers.
It is disappointing therefore to hear of incidences such as these, where you find that the pupils are taken advantage of. This however means that we are challenged to continue with our awareness campaigns and spread information as wide as possible.
Children should be assisted to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate attention and relationships. This however means that a lot needs to be done with the teachers in terms of boundaries. We often assume that people, who are in the position of trust and authority, understand the boundaries. We certainly cannot sit back and allow such cruel acts to continue.
Children or anyone who have been affected by this incident or who find themselves in an uncomfortable position where they feel that they might be compromised or are compromised are urged to call Childline’sCrisisline 08000 55555 where they can speak to our trained counsellors who are available around the clock and are waiting to assist. If they feel that they are not ready to tell us who they are, they are welcome to call anonymously as the aim is to assist.
Nomvuyo Shabangu
Childline KZN director
