Pretoria – The Department of Basic Education has called on the South African Council of Educators (Sace) to do everything it can to make sure that teachers who give parents money in exchange for sex with learners are brought to book.
According to media reports, the council’s annual report notes that parents are accepting gifts and cash from teachers who have sex with their children in order to protect them from disciplinary action.
Sexual relations between teachers and pupils is illegal in terms of the Employment of Educators Act.
“We are encouraging the South African Council of Educators to do all they can to make sure that in a case where a teacher is implicated they must be dealt with severely,” said departmental spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga on Wednesday.
“We cannot afford a situation where our learners are put at risk because of teachers. What must weigh more is the interest of the child, they are the victim.”
He added that the effects of sexual relations with a teacher can be long lasting and damaging.
A booklet, titles Speak Out – Youth Report Sexual Abuse, has been created by the department to educate learners about sexual abuse. – SAnews.gov.za
