Union Distances Itself From Teachers Who Molest Learners

Union Distances Itself From Teachers Who Molest Learners

In a recent statement, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for students.

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The union's general secretary, Xolani Fakude, emphasized that Sadtu's structure has no room for teachers involved in cases of school gender-based violence.

The statement comes in response to a Free State teacher who was dismissed after being found guilty of misconduct by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC). The charges against the teacher stemmed from two separate incidents dating back to 2023.

According to senior ELRC arbitrator Coen Havenga, the first incident involved a grade 12 pupil, where the teacher allegedly touched her breast and forced her to touch his penis. The second incident involved a grade 11 pupil, with the accused teacher behaving in an improper and unacceptable manner by exposing himself to the student.

Union Distances Itself From Teachers Who Molest Learners

Both incidents occurred within the school premises, specifically inside the accused teacher's office. Despite the accused employee denying the allegations, Havenga deemed the evidence against him highly credible.

Havenga dismissed the possibility of an elaborate fabrication involving educators, learners, and parents, stating that it was improbable for complainants to disadvantage themselves with false versions merely to satisfy another educator's whims.

The accused teacher was found guilty of misconduct, dismissed from work, and deemed unsuitable to work with children.

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SADTU's stance is clear: they do not align themselves with teachers found guilty of sexual harassment or sexual relations. Fakude emphasized that such actions damage the image of the teaching profession.