Parliament has called for drastic actions over the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl at a school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.
The Multi-Party Women’s Caucus has called for swift arrests and legal reforms to ensure that predators in schools face severe punishment.
“This horrific case is yet another reminder of the alarming levels of gender-based violence in our communities and schools. Immediate action must be taken to ensure that justice is served, and that future incidents are prevented,” the caucus said in a statement.
The caucus is pushing for mandatory background checks for all school staff and stricter punishments for sexual offenders.
Caucus memeber, Lindelwa Dunjwa, said she is obligated to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. “This incident is not just a crime against an innocent child; it is a stark reflection of the broader issues of gender-based violence and systemic failures in protecting our most vulnerable members of society.”
She said “It is disturbing to witness the impact of such violence on children, who should feel safe and secure in their educational environments. Our schools are meant to be places of learning, growth and safety, yet this incident reveals a tragic breach of that trust. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the affected child and her family. The mother’s courageous decision to share her experience on a local community radio station highlights the need for transparency and accountability from the authorities tasked with ensuring the safety and welfare of our children.”
BASIC EDUCATION MINISTER SPEAKS OUT
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, speaking at the Uyinene Mrwetyana Memorial Lecture, expressed her commitment to addressing sexual abuse in schools.
“Justice must be served, but more needs to be done to rid our schools of sexual predators,” said Gwarube.
Gwarube said schools should be places where pupils go to learn and not be assaulted and that more needs to be done to rid schools of sexual predators.
“This is the work I intend on doing with the minister of justice Mmamoloko Kubayi to change the law so that every single person who comes in contact with children is vetted against the national sexual offenders register,” she said.
Gwarube was speaking at the annual memorial lecture of Uyinene Mrwetyana at Kingswood College in the Eastern Cape. Mrwetyana was raped and murdered by Luyanda Botha in 2019 at a post office in Cape Town.
UDM DEMANDS JUSTICE AND SCHOOL SAFETY REFORMS
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape has voiced its disgust over the alleged assault, demanding that authorities expedite the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement, Bulelani Bobotyane, UDM Provincial Secretary, said, “We stand with Cwecwe and her family. This tragedy has exposed a deep-rooted crisis in our schools. The failure to protect children is unacceptable.”
Bobotyane’s remarks reflect widespread concern that such incidents are not isolated and underscore the urgent need for reform in the education sector.
“The government must act now. It is crucial to review safety policies in schools and offer counseling and support to victims,” he added.
BERGVIEW COLLEGE DENIES RESPONSIBILITY
According to the Daily Maverick the principal of Bergview College, Jaco Pieterse, has denied any involvement in the crime. His legal team insists that there is no concrete evidence linking him to the assault.
“Our client is falsely accused. We are confident that no evidence will emerge to prove his involvement in this incident,” said Gerrie Nel of AfriForum.
EASTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT RESPONDS
The Eastern Cape provincial government has pledged to support the victim’s family and is actively working to ensure the case is given the attention it deserves.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Education MEC Fundile Gade have both expressed their concern over the incident, with Gade confirming that Bergview College will be deregistered as an educational institution due to the severity of the allegations.
“This is a wake-up call. We cannot tolerate any form of abuse, especially in spaces meant to protect our children,” said Mabuyane.
Counseling services have been offered to the victim, and plans are in place to relocate students from the affected school to nearby institutions.
What do you think would be done to protect kids at schools?
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