ActionSA sounds alarm on criminally convicted teachers in schools

ActionSA has raised its concerns about the Education Department’s failure to screen teachers adequately. This follows a 2023 report by TPN Credit Bureau, which revealed that 3,6% of teachers have criminal records or charges.

Among the charges include assault, rape and murder.

ACTIONSA RAISES CONCERNS ON CRIMINAL TEACHERS IN CLASSROOMS

The party says learner safety is at risk as screening only takes place during the registration of new teachers. All teachers in the country must be registered under the South African Council of Educators.

“This practice has allowed for perpetrators disguised as teachers to remain within our Basic Education System and continue to pose danger to the learners”, says ActionSA spokesperson for Basic Education Tsholo Maforah.

Amendment of section 120 of Act 38 of 2005 of the Children’s Act states;

“That a person must be deemed unsuitable to work with children on conviction of murder, attempted murder, rape, indecent assault or any sexual offence contemplated in the Criminal Law assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, where a child is the victim of any such offence.”

NAPTOSA CALLS FOR SPEED UP IN VETTING PROCESS

Speaking to 702 radio station, Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA, says he is not surprised by the statistics.

“It is not surprising that some people have slipped through the net because up until now, there’s been no measures in place to prevent that from happening,” says Manuel.

“We don’t want miscreants in the classroom. We don’t want miscreants on the premises even if they are just cooking.”

Manuel calls on SACE to vet teachers regularly instead of on a five-year basis.