Gauteng teacher suspended over alleged sexual harassment of learner
The Gauteng Department of Education has suspended a teacher accused of allegedly engaging in inappropriate communication with a 17-year-old Grade 12 learner.
On Tuesday, lessons at a Gauteng school were interrupted due to allegations of sexual harassment between a teacher and a 17-year-old student, with the teacher subsequently placed on precautionary suspension. According to the Gauteng Education Department, the allegations stem from inappropriate communication between the educator and the Grade 12 learner, which allegedly began in June 2026 and continued through WhatsApp and other interactions.
The situation was escalated to the Johannesburg East District for investigation following a preliminary inquiry by the Gauteng Department of Education's Labour Relations Unit. Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile expressed concern over the allegations, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation and the protection of learners' safety and dignity.
Maile also noted that substantial teaching and learning time was lost due to the disruption, but assured that learners with upcoming assessments and examinations were still able to complete their academic activities. A plan for recovery will be implemented to address the lost academic time. The MEC called for all stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed fairly and without disruption to the school's operations.
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