Edgar Legoale Foundation
By Lerato Mpembe
The Edgar Legoale Foundation has urged the Free State Department of Education to act swiftly and decisively to address the rising tide of sexual abuse in schools. This call to action follows the dismissal of a teacher from Makabelane Technical School in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, for sexually assaulting and harassing three learners, two of whom were minors. While the foundation welcomes this decision, it warns that the 12 reported cases of teacher misconduct in the province during the 2024/25 period signal a deeper crisis that demands urgent attention.
Teacher Dismissed for Sexual Misconduct
A teacher at Makabelane Technical School has been sacked after the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) found him guilty of eight counts of sexual misconduct. The abuse, which took place between 2023 and 2024, involved three learners: two minors aged 14 and 16, and one who was 18 at the time. The ELRC also ruled that the teacher is unfit to work with children under Section 120(4) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, effectively barring him from future employment in schools.
The foundation has praised the Free State Department of Education, its Labour Relations officials, and the ELRC for their thorough investigation and dedication to ensuring justice. They also hailed the bravery of the learners who reported the abuse, promising them full support as they recover from this ordeal.
A Growing Crisis in Schools
Despite this victory, the Edgar Legoale Foundation warns that the dismissal is just the tip of the iceberg. The ELRC reported 12 cases of sexual harassment and abuse by teachers in the Free State during the 2024/25 period alone. This troubling figure points to a systemic problem that threatens the safety of learners across the province.
Sexual abuse in schools is not just a Free State issue—it’s a national challenge. A 2016 study revealed that nearly 16% of South African learners have experienced sexual abuse at school, highlighting the scale of the problem. The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has also noted a steady rise in educator misconduct cases over recent years, putting pressure on authorities to act.
Foundation’s Urgent Call for Change
The Edgar Legoale Foundation has outlined six key actions for the Free State Department of Education to tackle this crisis head-on. In a media statement issued on 20 May 2025, Nthabiseng Molejane, Foundation Manager and Spokesperson, said:
“We call on the Department of Education to:
1 Stricter Vetting for Teachers: The Department of Education must check the backgrounds of all teachers carefully before they are hired. This will help keep people with a history of bad behaviour away from our schools.
2 Training on Sexual Harassment and Assault: All teachers and school staff should get regular training on how to spot, stop, and deal with sexual harassment and assault. This will help them protect learners better.
3 A Safe Way for Learners to Report Abuse: Schools need a confidential system where learners can report abuse without being scared. This system must be easy to use and well-known so learners feel safe to speak up.
4 No Mercy for Offenders: The Department must have a strict rule that anyone found guilty of sexual misconduct is removed from schools immediately and never allowed to work with children again.
5 Faster Disciplinary Actions: Investigations and hearings must happen quickly so learners are not left in danger while waiting for justice. Delays can cause more harm, and we cannot allow that.
6 Help for Learners Who Suffer Abuse: Schools should offer counselling and support to learners who have been abused. This will help them heal and carry on with their education in a safe space.”
Molejane emphasized that these steps are crucial to prevent further incidents and restore trust in the education system.
Empowering Learners and Parents
The foundation also called on learners to break their silence. “We call on all learners who have been abused or know someone who has to speak out,” Molejane said. “Tell a teacher, a parent, or the authorities what happened. Your voice can stop the abuse and protect others.”
She urged parents to play their part too: “We also ask parents to make home a friendly and open place where learners feel safe to talk about what’s happening to them. When learners know they can trust the adults around them, they are more likely to ask for help when they need it.”
This dual approach—encouraging learners to report abuse and fostering supportive homes—aims to create a culture where children feel heard and protected.
Chairperson’s Plea for Action
Edgar Legoale, Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, added his voice to the call for reform. In the same statement, he said:
“As the chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, I am very worried about how much sexual misconduct is happening in our schools. We cannot sit back while our learners suffer. We need to work together to make schools safe by checking teachers properly before they start work, training them to prevent abuse, and giving learners a way to report problems without fear. This is the only way we can make sure our children are safe.”
“We also need to make sure learners feel okay to talk about abuse. Schools must be places where trust and respect come first. Learners should know that if they speak up, someone will listen and help them. It’s our job to make sure they don’t feel scared or alone when something bad happens.”
“Lastly, we must stop delays in punishing those who hurt learners. When cases take too long, learners stay in danger, and that’s not right. I call on the Department of Education to put our learners first by acting fast and making sure they can get a good education in a safe place. Our children’s future depends on what we do now.”
Legoale’s words reflect the foundation’s determination to see lasting change.
National Efforts and Expert Voices
The Department of Basic Education has already taken steps to address this issue, such as introducing the Protocol for the Management and Reporting of Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Schools. This framework guides schools on how to handle abuse cases, from reporting to resolution, but many argue that implementation remains inconsistent.
Experts in child protection echo the foundation’s concerns.
A spokesperson from a leading child welfare organization said: “It is crucial that schools implement robust safeguarding policies and that educators are held accountable for their actions. We must create an environment where children feel safe to report abuse and where their voices are heard and acted upon.” This reinforces the need for stronger, faster action across the board.
Foundation’s Commitment
The Edgar Legoale Foundation remains steadfast in its mission. “The Edgar Legoale Foundation stands with every learner who has faced abuse and will keep fighting for schools to be safe and respectful places,” Molejane said.
“We will work with the Free State Department of Education, schools, and communities to bring about these changes and stop abuse from happening in the future. Our learners deserve to learn and grow without fear, and we will not stop until that is true for every child.”
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