Concerning Rise in Teacher-Linked Sexual Harassment Cases Reported by WCED

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has registered 32 alarming incidents of sexual harassment involving teachers across public schools since the beginning of this year to September, sparking evident concern within the education sector and beyond.

This worrisome revelation follows an appeal by the Governing Body Foundation (GBF) for amplified action to combat the increasingly occurring incidents of sexual grooming within educational environments. The GBF is a non-profit organization committed to the welfare of pupils and overall excellence within the education sector.

Anthea Cereseto, the GBF spokesperson, stressed the urgency of addressing sexual grooming incidences, terming them as perilous threats looming over unsuspecting learners.

The term 'sexual grooming' defines a scenario where adults in authoritative roles take advantage of minors for sexually motivated exploitation. The WCED branded such incidents under the umbrella term ‘sexual harassment’ and as potential cases of assault.

Among the highlighted 32 cases, an active investigation is underway for 18; the rest, unfortunately, dismissed due to insufficient supportive evidence.

Bronagh Hammond, representative of the WCED, disclosed recurrent procedures implemented following each reported case under the ‘Abuse No More’ initiative. This undertaking is essentially a comprehensive guideline provided to students, staff, and institutions for appropriate reporting and supportive measures in cases that involve sexual offences, deliberate neglect, or child abuse.

Throwing light on the rigorous hiring protocol for teachers, Hammond specified adherence to the SACE Code of Professional Ethics and subjected any violations to disciplinary action. Newly employed individuals' background checks, which also encompass scanning for sexual offences, are a compulsory part of their employment process.

Besides pro-actions, WCED has accommodated lessons on gender-based violence as part of its curriculum, working closely with Google in developing the Online Safety Curriculum. WCED's initiative of a toll-free Safe Schools Hotline sets it apart as the only province moving in this direction.