Safety in Schools Questioned as Department Faces Backlash

The Free State Department of Education is under scrutiny following revelations that 649 teachers with criminal records are still employed within the province’s schools. This alarming statistic has ignited public outrage and raised critical concerns about the safety of learners and school staff.

Criminal Records in Schools: A Widespread Issue

The issue came to light during a provincial legislature session where MEC Julia Maboya acknowledged the presence of educators with criminal histories but failed to provide a timeline for their removal. Adding to the gravity of the situation, statistics from the TPN Credit Bureau reveal that 3.6% of South Africa’s 447,123 education employees in 2023 had criminal records. These include offences ranging from theft and assault to severe crimes like murder and rape.

Safety Concerns Raised by Political and Union Leaders

Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson Dulandi Leech expressed strong disapproval, citing the potential danger posed to both pupils and law-abiding educators.

“This ongoing issue is a serious concern for the safety and wellbeing of children and honest educators. Swift action is needed to ensure classrooms remain secure,” Leech said.

Similarly, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) has voiced its worries, emphasizing that schools should be safe havens for children. Sadtu national spokesperson Nomusa Cembi called for clarity regarding the nature of the criminal offences, suggesting that only those guilty of severe misconduct, such as sexual assault or intentional harm to learners, should be dismissed immediately.

Vetting Delays Aggravate the Situation

The Free State education department’s spokesperson, Haward Ndaba, stated that the vetting process to gain a full understanding of the criminal records is still ongoing. However, no deadline has been set, leaving parents, educators, and political leaders frustrated.

Cembi also highlighted that schools have been legally required to conduct background checks on prospective staff since 2019 to ensure they are not listed on the National Register for Sexual Offenders. Yet, this situation indicates potential lapses in adherence to these regulations.

Call to Action for Safer Schools

This controversy underscores the urgent need for the Free State Department of Education to expedite vetting processes and enforce stricter policies. Stakeholders are urging the department to prioritize the removal of educators with severe criminal convictions to restore public trust and ensure the safety of learners.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on whether the department will take swift and decisive action to address this pressing issue.

The revelation of teachers with criminal records remaining in classrooms highlights significant gaps in South Africa’s education system. Ensuring the safety of learners and educators requires immediate, transparent action from the Free State Department of Education. Parents and advocacy groups will undoubtedly continue to demand accountability until this issue is resolved.