Gauteng Education has abolished its partnership with Nalbali after allegedly attacked a grade 3 effigy at Bramfischville Primary School.
An alleged sexual assault by an Nal’ibali businessman on a grade 3 effigy at Bramficcherville Primary School has inspired the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to end his partnership with an immediate campaign.
The culprit, who is not a GDE employee, allegedly sexually assaulted the effigy on 24 March, and the case was informed to the school on 25 March by the child’s parents.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said on learning about the allegation, the Principal of Bramfisville Primary School advised the parents to hold a criminal case.
Nal’ibali businessman suspended
The businessman was suspended by Anand Abhiyan for national reading and was later arrested on 28 March. His bail hearing is scheduled for 14 April 2025.
“In fact, this is a highly disturbing phenomenon. Our children should never experience such cruelty by some adults that help them develop and take care of them.”
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Mabona said a joint meeting was held to inform the school’s school governing body (SGB), and a parent’s engagement session is scheduled on Saturday, April 12. The session is to provide further clarity and assure the school community about the safety of their children.
GDE participated with NAL’IBali to help South African children read and reach their full potential through storytelling, especially in learning Foundation phase when childhood development (ECD) was transferred to the Basic Education Department.
The department said that it is still working to solve a major problem of sexual misconduct in schools at the time of this incident.
42 cases of sexual misconduct
The department is operating a vet on all existing school-based employees and newly appointed employees.
According to GDE records, the department has received 42 cases of sexual misconduct.
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About 19 cases have been finalized, resulting in about 11 employees rejected, four employees are not being found guilty, two cases against employees were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence and one employee resigned while another employee retired from public service.
23 pending cases
The department has 23 cases pending, about 15 of which are in different stages of disciplinary hearing, and eight cases are still under investigation.
The implicated persons are either placed on precautionary suspension or the results of the investigation have been transferred to the pending district offices.
“We are committed to creating a safe and safe environment for all learners. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and relevant partners to ensure that the events of this nature are rapidly, transparent and properly dealt with,” Chiloni said.