Anger over increasing rape cases in schools

Experts have called for greater action by education, social development and parents against rape in educational institutions, as the latest crime statistics show the number of cases in the sector is rising.

Statistics for the second quarter of the 2024-25 financial year released on Monday show that 190 cases of rape were reported in institutions, including nurseries and private schools, between July and September.

Of the 200 rape cases, 90 were reported from primary and high schools, 15 from higher education institutions, eight from nurseries and two from private schools.

190 rape cases reported

Nationwide, 10 191 cases of rape were reported between October last year and September this year; This number decreased from 10 516 in the previous year.

Equal Education researcher Stacy Solomon said statistics may not accurately reflect the situation because many cases go unreported.

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“The basic education department and social development department should work with students to address their concerns. Cases need to be reported so that victims can access justice.

“Provincial education directorate and (school governing body) officials should do their part and raise awareness among students on how they can report sexual abuse. The government and other stakeholders should do the same.”

Solomon acknowledged the government’s effort but said school administrators need to be trained on how to implement school safety interventions.

School management should be trained

Another expert, Hendrick Makaneta, stated that the figures show a failure to protect students, and that the reported cases reveal the need for change in the education system.

“Law enforcement alone will not win the war, so we need a multi-pronged approach. “Schools should implement stronger child protection policies.”

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“We also need the active participation of parents because education is a triangle that requires cooperation between parents, students and teachers.”

Makaneta said teachers need to understand that they are parents in the absence of parents and therefore have a duty to protect students from sex predators in the school environment.

“While we draw attention to the great work done by the Education Labor Relations Board, we also need to point out that there are still teachers who accept bribes and get away with such a crime by colluding with parents.”

Teachers who got away with rape

“Some rapes where the student and the teacher are in a relationship are legal. “Parents should not protect teachers who rape their children because of money.”

Matakanye Matakanye, general secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies, said: “It is disheartening, unacceptable and shameful that rape cases continue to occur in schools. “These statistics show that students’ futures are being destroyed,” he said.

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