The safety of South African pupils is under serious threat as over 16,000 teachers with criminal records continue to teach in classrooms across the country. Despite promises of action earlier this year, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has yet to resolve the issue. This alarming situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of the current vetting processes and the protection of young learners.

A Growing Crisis in Education

The revelation that 16,097 teachers with criminal records are still in the classroom has sparked outrage. The National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) has been vocal about the dangers posed by these educators. NASGB Secretary-General Matakanye Matakanye stated, “We cannot allow criminals to teach our children,” urging the DBE and the South African Council for Educators (SACE) to take immediate action.

The problem first came to light in March 2024, yet no decisive steps have been taken to remove the implicated teachers. This lack of action has left pupils vulnerable to educators with criminal histories, ranging from fraud to violent crimes such as rape and murder.

The Scope of the Problem

Statistics from the TPN Credit Bureau reveal that approximately 3.6% of the DBE’s 447,123 employees have criminal records. These records include severe offenses such as:

Rape and sexual assault
Murder and attempted murder
Theft and robbery
Drug-related crimes
Fraud and corruption

The Free State Department of Education has reported that 649 teachers with criminal records are currently employed within the province. While the provincial government has pledged to address the issue, the lack of action in other provinces underscores the national scope of the problem.

Ineffective Vetting Processes

One of the primary issues is the inadequacy of the vetting process for educators. SACE only requires a police clearance certificate at the time of teacher registration. There are no ongoing checks to ensure that teachers remain free of criminal charges after employment. Education activist Hendrick Makaneta highlighted this flaw, emphasizing the need for periodic reviews of teachers’ records to safeguard pupils’ well-being.

Makaneta pointed out the balance needed between fair labor practices and ensuring the safety of children:

“It is critical the Department of Education ensures that individuals entrusted with teaching and shaping young minds meet the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct.”

Differentiating Between Minor and Serious Offenses

While it is essential to ensure classroom safety, Makaneta also noted the importance of differentiating between minor offenses and serious crimes that compromise children’s well-being. This distinction is crucial to maintaining fairness while prioritizing the safety of learners.

Accountability and Responsibility

In a recent statement, SACE spokesperson Risuna Nkuna clarified that it is not SACE’s responsibility to update the criminal records database after teachers have registered. Nkuna emphasized that the DBE must ensure regular updates to teachers’ records to prevent those with new criminal convictions from continuing to teach.

However, Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga has yet to provide a response to the growing outcry, further fueling public frustration.

Urgent Call for Reform

The continued presence of teachers with criminal records in South African classrooms is unacceptable. Urgent reforms are necessary to enhance the vetting process, including:

Periodic Criminal Record Checks: Implement mandatory reviews of teachers’ criminal records at regular intervals.
Improved Collaboration: Strengthen coordination between SACE and the DBE to ensure timely updates to teachers’ status.
Clear Accountability Measures: Establish clear policies for the immediate removal of teachers found guilty of serious offenses.

The safety and well-being of pupils must be a top priority. The DBE and SACE must act swiftly to remove teachers with criminal records from the classroom. Only through decisive action can South Africa ensure that its schools remain safe havens for learning and growth. The time for excuses is over—these teachers must go.