/ 1 April 2009

Council wants teachers named and shamed

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has called for teachers who sexually abuse pupils to be named and shamed and to lose their jobs.

“SACE is deeply concerned that some of our teachers continue molesting children. Further, it is extremely disturbing that some of our male colleagues maintain a sexual relationship with girls who are under age,” said a statement released by the regulatory body.

“Council has decided to rid the profession of this scourge. It has initiated a category of educators struck-off indefinitely so as to prevent these miscreants from ever entering the teaching profession.

“These names would be made public in future.”

SACE also added its voice to the growing dissent against teachers who took part in party political activity during school hours.

The council agreed that teachers should be acknowledged for the role they played during the anti-apartheid struggle, but made it clear that the focus should be on educating learners.

“However council categorically forbids educators from participating in party political activities during school time. SACE shall subject such educators to its disciplinary processes.”