RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A LEARNER AND EDUCATOR

Issued by: Gauteng Department of Education

31 May 2001

Gauteng's MEC for Education, Ignatius Jacobs visited the Thoko Thabo Secondary School this morning. The purpose of the visit was to get first hand information about the allegations of a love and sexual relationship between a learner and educator. The school community confirmed this matter to the MEC.

The MEC has since instructed the GDE to:

• Investigate and constitute a disciplinary tribunal,
  
• Submit a report on the outcome of the disciplinary tribunal within 15 days,
  
• Immediately suspend the educator, and
  
• Facilitate and arrange counselling services for the learner and family.

The MEC noted the good intentions of the school community to resolve the matter amicably, however felt that it fell short with regard to our efforts to protect our girl learners.

The trust and confidence entrusted by the parents of the learners to the educators have been breached. The GDE has to send a message to parents that we shall protect their learners in our school.

The MEC has indicated that the learner - educator trust has been breached and firm action needs to be taken so that our learners, not only in this school but also throughout the province, shall be protected.

He also indicated his support for the Minister of Education, Kader Asmal on the need to make love and sexual relations between a learner and an educator a dismissible offence.

Further the MEC noted the good track record of the school. The MEC commend the learners for their conduct and discipline in their efforts to protect their fellow learner.

Thanking you
Lebelo Maloka
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
082-902-9880