Concerned parents and residents gathered outside Pitlochry School in Westville demanding the removal of a teacher who allegedly sent a grade 7 learner text messages of a sexual nature.
Image: Tumi Pakkies
THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) says the findings and recommendations of their investigation into allegations that a teacher sent a grade 7 learner text messages of a sexual nature at a Westville school was at the desk of the head of the department to apply his mind and take appropriate actions.
Several parents and concerned residents staged a protest outside Pitlochry Primary School on Tuesday calling for the removal of the teacher.
Sydenham police have also confirmed they are investigating a case of child grooming following reports that a man was allegedly sending explicit messages to a 12-year-old girl.
Spokesperson for the DoE, Muzi Mahlambi, said the matter was reported to the school principal on April 5 and that the circuit manager instituted an investigation immediately.
“We are very disappointed as the department to have such a character teaching our learners. The department frowns at such behaviour,” Mahlambi said.
KwaZulu-Natal Parents Association chairperson, Vee Gani, said the complaint was lodged with supporting evidence, and that the DoE should have acted immediately to remove or suspend the teacher.
“The department should have acted with speed,” he said.
Gani added that parents must be vigilant and monitor their children’s cellphone and role-players must do all that they can to prevent a situation like the alleged incident from happening again.
“It gets worse when a protector becomes a violator. I hope justice takes its course and if he is found guilty the department must dispense whatever sanction is appropriate for the crime,” Gani said.
Concerned parent Lee Maharajh said parents have been left frustrated with the process.
"We wanted answers as parents and community activists as to why it took so long for the school to give feedback on this matter, even via the D6 communicator app. The school failed to give us answers. Instead they chose to go the silent route. Parents have heard about the matter through social media and television news. We wait with bated breath for the outcome of the investigation," Maharajh said.
National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) chief executive Thirona Moodley said they are against any act of sexual grooming or any advances of a sexual nature between an educator and learners.
“Educators stand in for parents while learners are at school. They are to protect learners and not use their positions to exploit our learners. These are allegations that must be tested and before that we cannot be judge and jury. It is for this reason the department must investigate and report their findings to all concerned,” Moodley said.
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