ANCYL Decries Systemic Child Abuse in Eastern Cape Schools as Probes Intensify

ANCYL Decries Systemic Child Abuse in Eastern Cape Schools as Probes Intensify

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Eastern Cape has voiced deep shock over fresh reports of child abuse at schools in the province. They point to cases at St John’s College in Mthatha, where seven teachers have been suspended for alleged sexual misconduct, and JS Skenjana Senior Secondary in Dutywa, now under a new investigation after claims surfaced on social media.

ANCYL’s Ziyanda Vuso called these not just one-off events but part of a bigger system-wide problem. As South Africa marks Heritage Day, these incidents highlight the urgent need to protect young learners, ensuring their right to safe education amid a worrying rise in school violence and abuse.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has stepped in, outlining firm actions and stressing that schools must report sexual crimes by law. She has called on Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia for quick probes. With pregnancies linked to some cases and protests by pupils, stakeholders are pushing for real change to stop predators in classrooms.

Shocking Allegations at St John’s College Lead to Suspensions

At St John’s College in Mthatha, seven educators face suspension over claims of sexual abuse, grooming, and harassment of learners. The Eastern Cape Department of Education acted after reports of several pregnancies among pupils, believed tied to the abuse. Learners staged protests, demanding justice and safer spaces. The department has launched a full probe, with police involved to check criminal angles.
ANCYL’s Vuso slammed school governing bodies (SGBs) for often shielding principals instead of standing up for kids. “The SGBs need to stop shielding and being gatekeepers for principals and start being advocates for their learners,” she said. This echoes wider calls for SGBs to prioritise child safety over loyalty.

The suspensions came after disturbing details emerged, including claims of teachers exploiting power over vulnerable teens. Parents and community groups have rallied, urging swift action to prevent more harm.

Fresh Probe at JS Skenjana Senior Secondary Amid Social Media Outcry

Over at JS Skenjana Senior Secondary in Dutywa, a new investigation kicked off after abuse claims blew up on social media. A former pupil alleged male teachers sexually abuse and victimise learners, sparking outrage. Pupils staged protests, highlighting a “rape culture” in some Eastern Cape schools.

The department is looking into these fresh reports, part of a broader crisis. Vuso stressed the ANCYL will keep pushing the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Department of Basic Education (DBE) for strong, not just paper, responses. “The ANCYL will continue to pressure the South African Police Service and the Department of Basic Education to act decisively and not administratively,” she added.

These cases follow an August incident in the province where a 17-year-old learner was charged with attempted murder and robbery after allegedly robbing, stabbing, and dumping a fellow learner into a pit toilet. Such events show a pattern of violence that needs urgent fixes.

Minister Gwarube Vows Tough Action Against Predators

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube spoke out on Tuesday, outlining her department’s steps to tackle the mess. She reminded schools that the law demands they report sexual offences right away. “We will not allow predators or disruptors to rob children of their right to safe schooling. Any person who abuses their position of trust will face the full force of the law,” Gwarube said.

She has asked Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to ensure fast and full investigations. Gwarube also moved to protect learners from disruptions, like those from groups like Operation Dudula in Gauteng schools.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) joined the outcry, calling the abuse a national scandal and demanding accountability. Sadtu, the teachers’ union, urged swift probes while protecting innocent staff.

ANCYL’s Push for Change and Community Support

The ANCYL is not just talking; they’re stepping in by chatting with education bosses and locals to shield kids. “The league is intervening by engaging with both educational authorities and communities to protect learners,” Vuso explained.

They see these as systemic failures, not lone acts, and want SGBs to flip from protectors of wrongdoers to champions for pupils. This aligns with calls from groups like Save the Children for better reporting and support systems.

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