ACORNHOEK- The principal of Magwagwaza Secondary School has been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect in light of serious allegations of sexual harassment.
The Department Of Education says the action taken is to enable an investigation into the matter and to safeguard the best interests of learners.
The Department treats all allegations of sexual misconduct with the utmost seriousness and acts in strict accordance with the Employment of Educators Act (Act No. 76 of 1998).
In particular, Section 17 of the Act provides for the mandatory dismissal of any educator found guilty of serious misconduct, including:
-Committing an act of sexual assault against a learner
-Engaging in a sexual relationship with a learner
-Encouraging or coercing a learner to participate in sexual acts
In addition, Section 18 of the Act outlines other forms of misconduct which may warrant disciplinary action, including sexual harassment. Such cases are handled through formal disciplinary processes to ensure fairness, accountability, and legal compliance.
The department will also refer this matter to the South African Council for Educators (SACE), which holds the authority to deregister educators found guilty of sexual misconduct, thereby prohibiting their re-employment in any educational institution within the country.
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“The department is therefore deeply disturbed by allegations of this nature and wishes to assure the public that it will take decisive disciplinary action against any educator found to have acted inappropriately. We remain committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and enabling learning environment for all learners,” reads a statement.
The department further calls on parents, learners, and members of the school community to continue to report any suspected incidents of sexual misconduct by educators or any other individual to the law enforcement institutions including , the South African Police Service (SAPS) and to the department.
