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DA members protest against sexual abuse by teachers in schools outside the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on 11 September 2025.
The Gauteng education department has confirmed the dismissal of a male teacher from Sunward Park High School in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, following allegations of sexual assault and verbal abuse of learners at the school.
He was dismissed in absentia.
The teacher was charged with three counts of sexual assault and one of verbal misconduct.
Department Spokesperson Steve Mabona says the educator was found guilty of contravening the code of professional ethics.
“This decision will be communicated to the South African Council for Educators, with a formal recommendation that the educator’s name be permanently struck off the register so that this educator will be revoked from teaching accreditation, meaning that he will not be allowed to be appointed somewhere else,” says Mabona.
In a separate incident, Democratic Alliance Federal Chairperson Helen Zille called for the swift prosecution and a severe sentence for a deputy principal at the Bronkhorspruit Primary School, who allegedly raped an eight-year-old learner on the school premises.
The accused faces three counts of rape.
Zille emphasised that educators have a sacred duty to protect, guard, and teach children.
She said cases of this nature like underscore concerns about safety and accountability in South African schools.
