In a deeply concerning incident, a teacher at Hoërskool Centurion has been fired following serious assault allegations. The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that the educator was dismissed after a disciplinary hearing. He had been employed by the School Governing Body (SGB) and taught Grades 8 to 12.
The case has once again sparked national concern over child safety in South African schools. It follows a pattern of rising reports of educator misconduct across the country.
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Gauteng Education Confirms Termination
According to Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona, the teacher is now permanently barred from accessing the school premises.
“His contract with the SGB has been terminated and as such, he is prohibited from accessing the school,” said Mabona.
He added that the department has submitted the teacher’s details to the South African Council for Educators (SACE). This step is crucial to ensure the teacher’s name is removed from the SACE register.
“This step would revoke the said teacher’s teaching accreditation, preventing employment at any school or educational institution in South Africa in the future,” Mabona confirmed.
Court Appearance Raises Further Questions
The dismissed teacher, who taught Technology, Life Orientation, and Tourism, has also appeared in court. While legal proceedings are ongoing, his removal from the school is a proactive step.
The allegations involve the assault of a learner. While details remain confidential due to the sensitivity of the case, the incident has triggered calls for greater safeguards in schools.
Union and Civil Society React
The South African Teachers Union (SAOU) stated it was not directly involved in the case. However, SAOU spokesperson Dems Nel emphasised the need for immediate action when allegations emerge.
“Schools should be a safe place for pupils as they are the most fragile part of our community,” said Nel.
Child safety advocates echoed this concern. Wayne van Onselen, founder of Unchain Our Children, said children cannot consent to sex with adults.
“A child cannot ever consent to sex with an adult,” he said. “This is a line that must never be crossed.”
Rising Cases of Abuse in South African Schools
The Hoërskool Centurion teacher fired case reflects a troubling national trend. A 2024 report found that sexual misconduct complaints against teachers rose by 35% in just one year.
- 111 formal complaints were lodged in 2024, compared to 82 the previous year.
- Of those, 39 teachers were found guilty and removed from schools.
The Department of Basic Education has previously confirmed that 48 teachers were dismissed for sexual misconduct between 2022 and 2023.
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What Happens After a Teacher Is Removed?
After a dismissal, the teacher’s name is submitted to SACE. If removed from the register, they lose their ability to work in any registered educational institution.
This process is intended to protect learners and uphold the integrity of the profession. In the case of Hoërskool Centurion, this procedure is now underway.
Community and Political Reaction
The Democratic Alliance (DA) attended a similar court hearing recently. DA leader Helen Zille said South Africa faces a child assault crisis.
“In order to deal with gender-based violence, girl children must be protected from sexual abuse at the hands of older men,” Zille said.
Local parents and community members have expressed shock over the Hoërskool Centurion case. Many are calling for tighter vetting of educators and increased counselling support in schools.
Time for Reform
The Hoërskool Centurion teacher fired case should serve as a wake-up call for education stakeholders. While the school acted quickly, the broader issue remains: safeguarding learners must be a top priority.
Continuous training, stricter hiring policies, and confidential reporting mechanisms are critical. Above all, every child has the right to feel safe at school.
