‘Zero Tolerance’ – Education department responds to shocking revelations

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on sexual misconduct after it was revealed that 12 convicted sex offenders are employed at Gauteng schools, with nine yet to be dismissed.

Last week, The Citizen reported that the department was aware of the offenders’ employment status but had not dismissed all of them, pending the outcome of necessary legal procedures.

In response to mounting public concern, the department said it follows strict hiring protocols to ensure the safety of students.

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‘Strict legal processes’

“The employment of individuals by the department is subject to strict legal and procedural processes,” the department said.

According to the department, all school-based employees are screened through the Child Protection Register and Personnel Suitability Checks, which include criminal record vetting, ID verification, and qualification checks.

Additionally, the National Register for Sexual Offenders (NRSO) certificate is required before any employee can be cleared for appointment or dismissed.

“The final approval of appointments rests with the Head of Department (HOD), who may lawfully disapprove any appointment where a conviction under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act exists,” it said.

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‘Awaiting certification for action’

Education MEC Matome Chiloane revealed that three of the 12 known sex offenders had been dismissed.

The other nine remain in the system due to outstanding NRSO certificates from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

“We await necessary certification for the implicated employees so that a decision can be made accordingly,” Chiloane said.

On Monday, he emphasised that protecting students was non-negotiable.

“The safety and wellbeing of our learners is our highest priority,” he added.

“We are taking all necessary steps to create and maintain safe, secure, and nurturing learning environments across the province.”

The department also said it is working with law enforcement to ensure the confirmed offender does not remain in contact with the children.

One teacher, despite being convicted, remains employed after the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) handed down only a final written warning.

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