By Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, visited Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto following disturbing allegations that a Grade 4 learner was sexually assaulted by an educator.
During the visit, MEC Maile met with school management, the School Governing Body (SGB), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and community stakeholders to receive a briefing on the incident and the interventions currently underway.
In response to the allegations, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that the implicated educator has been placed on precautionary suspension while awaiting the finalisation of a disciplinary hearing. Additionally, the Department’s Psychosocial Support Team has been deployed to offer essential emotional and psychological care to the affected learner and her family.
MEC Maile appealed for calm among parents, learners, and the community, emphasizing the importance of letting law enforcement and departmental procedures proceed without interference or premature judgment.
“We understand the concerns and emotions surrounding these disturbing allegations. However, we appeal for calm and urge everyone to allow the necessary processes to unfold. We must ensure that justice is not compromised by interference or speculation,” MEC Maile stated.
Highlighting broader societal issues such as gender-based violence and child abuse, the MEC stressed the collective duty required to safeguard children and rebuild community moral values.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it equally takes a village to protect a child. Parents, educators, religious leaders and communities must work together to protect our children and create conducive environments for their development into responsible, productive and desirable citizens. Schools cannot carry this responsibility alone,” Maile added.
Furthermore, the MEC urged the media to practice responsible, sensitive, and balanced reporting to safeguard the victim’s identity and dignity, avoid sensationalism, and respect ongoing legal and administrative processes. The GDE reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing school safety, protecting learners, and maintaining secure environments focused on teaching and learning.
