Childline KZN Demands Action After Teachers Found ...

Childline KZN Demands Action After Teachers Found Guilty of Abuse

Zim Now Reporter

Childline in KwaZulu-Natal has raised alarm after new findings revealed that 39 teachers across South Africa were found guilty of sexual misconduct against learners, exposing serious flaws in the teacher vetting system.

The report, released by the Education Labour Relations Council, shows that most of the offenders were based in KwaZulu-Natal, followed by Gauteng.

Childline KZN Director Adeshni Naicker condemned the abuse, calling for the permanent removal of the guilty educators from the teaching profession.

“These findings are not only a betrayal of the trust placed in educators but also a violation of the rights of our children,” said Naicker. “School should be a safe place where learners can grow, thrive and feel protected. The abuse of authority by educators who are supposed to safeguard children is inexcusable.”

Spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, Elijah Mhlanga, said while vetting is important, it is not enough to prevent such crimes.

“Some people get vetted, and once they are in the system, they get involved in criminal activity. So vetting is not a guarantee whatsoever,” said Mhlanga.

He added that the focus should be on changing attitudes among educators.

“We need to remind adults that they have a duty to protect the young people they teach, to educate and nurture them, not harm them,” he said.