Sex-pest educators should be punished

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has condemned the “sex for marks” scandal by some educators at South African schools and is calling for the harshest punishment for those found guilty.

“This attitude stands against every value as South Africans we want to instil in society’s fibre. It is the worst form of abuse and ought to be dealt with expeditiously. There has to be consequences for sexually exploiting under-age pupils,” Nomalungelo Gina, Chairperson of the Committee said.

She added “The sinister behaviour where educators view pupils – as young as they are – as sex objects should be condemned and frowned upon. Educators should exercise the parental role for over eight hours on our children, and not subject them to this kind of emotional torture.”

This comes after media reports that teachers at Brakpan High School sought sexual favours from pupils if they wanted to pass.

It was revealed that the school was without the School Governing Body, as it was disbanded in June for maladministration.

Gina said “If any of the governance structures at school failed such a situation exposed schools to all forms of opportunistic tendencies.

“Right now all our efforts should be geared towards ensuring that pupils progress. All stakeholders, including civil society and organised labour, should condemn this behaviour. The dignity of the teaching profession should be restored through eliminating sex-pest educators from the system,” Gina added.

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