Outrage over more rape cases in schools

Experts have called for more action from the departments of education, social development and parents against rape in educational institutions as the latest crime statistics show that the number of cases in the sector is on the rise.

Statistics for the second quarter of the 2024-25 financial year released on Monday show that 190 cases of rape were reported in institutions, including nurseries and special schools, between July and September.

Of the 200 rape cases, 90 were reported from primary and secondary schools, while 15 were at tertiary institutions, eight at nurseries, two at specialist schools.

190 cases of rape reported

Nationally, 10,191 rapes were reported between October last year and September this year, down from 10,516 the previous year.

Equal Education researcher Stacy Solomon said the statistics may not be a true reflection of the situation because many cases go unreported.

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“The basic education department and the social development department must work with the students to address their concerns. Cases must be reported so that victims can get justice.

“The provincial education department and (school governing body) officials must play their part and create awareness of how students could report sexual abuse. So should government and other stakeholders.”

Solomon acknowledged the government’s effort but said school management needed to be trained on how to implement school safety interventions.

School management must be trained

Another expert, Hendrick Makaneta, said the figures showed there was no failure to protect students, adding that the cases reported demonstrated the need for change in the education system.

“Law enforcement alone will not be able to win the battle, so we need a multi-pronged approach. Schools need to implement stronger child protection policies.”

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“We also need the active involvement of parents because education is a triangle that requires collaboration between parents, students and teachers.”

Makaneta said teachers must understand that in the absence of parents, they become parents and therefore have a duty to protect students from sexual predators in the school environment.

“While we note the great work the Education Labor Relations Board is doing, we must also note that there are still teachers who get away with such a crime because of complicity with parents, who accept bribes.”

The teachers who get away with rape

“Some of the rapes are statutory where the student and the teacher are involved in a relationship. Parents should not protect teachers who rape their children for money.”

The general secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies, Matakanye Matakanye, said: “It is disheartening, unacceptable and shameful that cases of rape continue in school. These statistics indicate that students’ futures are being destroyed.”

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