In the spirit of Child Protection Week, the MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi has instructed the school management of Jardao College to write a letter of apology to parents of Grade 10 to 12 girl pupils at the school. This follows reports of alleged sexual harassment at the school last week. It is alleged that female pupils at the school were checked by female teachers for sexual activities after a cleaner found a bloodied condom in the girl’s toilet.
MEC Lesufi said, “We agreed in the meeting that we need to apologise unreservedly to South Africans. We believe it’s very important to respect the dignity of our pupils.”
The school has agreed to write a letter to all parents to apologise. “This is not the way to treat girl children, we will protect their rights,” said Lesufi. The MEC has also instructed that all the information presented to him during the meeting be handed over to the Human Rights Commission. “They are better positioned to investigate matters of this nature. So when they give us a report of their findings, then I will take action,” said Lesufi.
A team of counsellors have been stationed at the school to provide counselling services to the affected pupils. “If there are parents that feel their children need additional support, we will take care of them. I really believe that what happened here is unacceptable and the dignity of our pupils cannot be undermined,” said Lesufi.
The MEC also visited Westbury Primary to inspect work underway after reports of power cuts and water problems at the school. He received a briefing from the school management and contractors. He was informed that work is underway to restore electricity and unblock toilets. “I am particularly interested in this school because one of my priorities is to ensure that all our schools are functional, proper sanitation is important for the dignity of our pupils”, the MEC said. The MEC promised to monitor the school closely.
