Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile Condemns Alleged Sexual Abuse at a Gauteng Primary, Pledges Support and Swift Action
MEC Maile reiterated that the Gauteng Provincial Government maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sexual abuse, gender-based violence and all forms of violence against children.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, notes the court proceedings held on Monday in the criminal matter involving the alleged sexual abuse of a learner at Karabo Primary School.
The MEC remains gravely disturbed by the allegations and extends his deepest sympathy and continued support to the learner, the learner’s family and the entire school community during this difficult time.
The MEC confirms that the Gauteng Department of Education responded immediately after the incident was reported on 28 May 2026. The matter was reported to the South African Police Service without delay, the learner received medical attention and psychosocial support through the Thuthuzela Care Centre, and the accused educator was arrested. The accused remains in custody while the criminal justice process continues before the courts.
“As this matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment on the merits of the criminal proceedings. We have full confidence in the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and the judiciary to discharge their constitutional responsibilities independently and without interference,” said MEC Maile.
The MEC emphasised that the Department is equally bound by the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, the Labour Relations Act, 1995, the South African Schools Act, 1996, the Children’s Act, 2005, and applicable departmental disciplinary prescripts.
While every employee is entitled to procedural fairness and the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court, these rights do not diminish the Department’s legal obligation to protect learners and to institute appropriate administrative and disciplinary processes where warranted.
“The protection of learners remains our foremost priority. Every child has the constitutional right to dignity, safety and a learning environment free from abuse, exploitation and violence.
“We will continue to provide the necessary psychosocial support to the learner and cooperate fully with all law enforcement authorities until the matter has been finalised,” the MEC said.
MEC Maile reiterated that the Gauteng Provincial Government maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sexual abuse, gender-based violence and all forms of violence against children. He further called upon communities to remain vigilant and to report any abuse immediately so that appropriate legal and protective interventions can be implemented.
“The safety of our children cannot be left to government alone. It requires the active involvement of parents, families, educators, communities, religious institutions, civil society and law enforcement agencies.
“This is precisely why we continue to champion the ‘It Takes a Village to Raise a Child’ campaign. Protecting children is a shared constitutional and moral responsibility, and together we must ensure that our schools remain places of safety, dignity and hope.”
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