Learners to be taught rights to prevent sexual abuse in schools

Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, says learners should be taught what their rights are in order to prevent them from becoming victims of sexual predators at schools.

This comes after the principal of a high school on Gauteng’s East Rand resigned, after videos and pictures of him having sex with learners in his office emerged on social media.

Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, says he is disgusted and disappointed, and that the Department will be visiting the school on Monday to investigate.

Motshekga says there are clear guide lines to regulate the relationship between a learner and teacher, and that any sexual transgressions won’t be tolerated.

“Also to teach children about their rights, about their bodies… and just give them the confidence to speak out. Also to work with parents, so that parents can help to see if there are signs that are suspicious, and be able to report –  because girls feel ashamed that the remark was made, and that is how they get to continue.”