A teacher at Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation in Emdeni, Soweto, is under investigation following allegations that he made an inappropriate sexual remark to a Grade 11 learner during the second term.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile has directed the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to urgently investigate the complaint. The department said the matter was being treated seriously because it involved the safety, dignity and wellbeing of a learner.
The allegations have raised concerns about the conduct of educators, who are expected to maintain professional boundaries when dealing with learners. The department said allegations involving people in positions of trust must be handled carefully and promptly.
The educator has denied the allegation and provided his account of what happened during a subsequent engagement at the school principal’s office. His denial will form part of the investigation as the department seeks to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The matter has also prompted wider concerns within the school community, with learner formations and other members raising claims that additional educators could be involved in separate allegations concerning learners.
However, Maile cautioned against treating the broader claims as established facts. He said the department would first have to conduct investigations before determining whether other educators were implicated.
The GDE is expected to assess the allegations and take appropriate action based on the outcome of its investigation, while the school community awaits further developments.
