Gauteng Edu ends partnership with Nali'Bali over assault
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has terminated its partnership with Nali’Bali following a disturbing incident of alleged sexual assault at Braamfischerville Primary School.
This after a Nali’Bali practitioner reportedly assaulted a Grade 3 pupil last month.
The incident was reported by the learner’s parent the following day.
Nali'Bali is a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign that seeks to spark and embed a culture of reading in children from birth to 12 years of age across the country by cultivating and enticing reading content in all South African languages.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says the department is deeply disturbed by this incident.
" It must be noted that the alleged perpetrator, a Nali’Bali practitioner, is not a GDE employee. Upon learning of the allegations, the school principal immediately advised the parent to open a criminal case. The alleged perpetrator was suspended by his organisation and subsequently arrested on 28 March. His bail hearing is scheduled for Monday."
READ: 9 sexual offenders working as teachers in Gauteng
Mabona says the department is also addressing broader sexual misconduct within schools, with 42 cases reported to date.
"The status of these cases is that about 19 cases have been finalised, which resulted in about 11 employees being dismissed, 4 employees were found not guilty, 2 cases were withdrawn against employees due to insufficient evidence, and one employee resigned while another employee retired from public service.
"We have about 23 cases pending finalisation, of which about 15 are at various stages of disciplinary hearings, and 8 cases are still under investigation.
"In all reported cases, the implicated individuals have either been placed on precautionary suspension or transferred to the District Offices pending the outcome of investigations."
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says this has been an exceedingly disturbing incident.
"Our children must never experience such cruelty by some adults who are supposed to assist to develop and take care of them. We remain committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all learners. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and relevant partners to ensure that incidents of this nature are dealt with swiftly, transparently, and justly."
Find us on social media
Follow the ECR Newswatch WhatsApp channel here
