Learners at Tiyelelani Secondary School in Soshanguve staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding action over allegations of sexual harassment by a teacher. 

The situation escalated into chaos as learners left the school premises, highlighting concerns about safety and accountability within the school.

EFF members, led by Phillip Makwala, the Gauteng deputy chairperson and MPL at the Gauteng legislature, joined the protesters at the school. 

Makwala said the EFF was informed about the situation at the school on social media, where learners were protesting due to allegations of sexual harassment by a teacher. 

The party demanded the removal of a senior school official, citing incompetence and failure to act on the allegations. 

“The (person) is inconsistent, incapacitated and cannot lead the school and the school is at risk under (their) leadership,” Makwala said.

The party’s demands include ensuring the school provides a safe environment for learners.

The School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Joseph Mlambo, said the parents’ body was unaware of the sexual harassment allegations until they saw it on social media. 

“We don’t know who the child is or the child’s parents,” he said. 

The SGB decided to convene a meeting to investigate the situation and determine the facts.

Mlambo said during the meeting, it was decided that the matter would be referred to the relevant authorities, including the district education department, social development, and the SAPS.

The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) Gauteng has condemned the alleged incident of sexual harassment at the school. 

Cosas secretary Basetsana Mashea, reportedly said the incident was reported but no action was taken.

She demanded the immediate suspension of the senior official, pending investigations.

Gauteng MEC for Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is aware of the serious allegations at the school, which prompted learners to protest on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“These include allegations of an educator who sexually assaulted a learner, and a bus driver who has an inappropriate relationship with a girl learner. It is also alleged that the school principal failed to act on these allegations after they were reported to him by learners,” he said.

He said the department has launched an urgent inquiry to investigate the allegations and determine the facts. 

As a precautionary measure, the principal has been removed from the school, effective September 3, 2025, Mabona said. 

Mabona said the inquiry’s findings will inform the appropriate course of action. 

Additionally, he said, the police are conducting a separate investigation into the allegations.

Department MEC Matome Chiloane, called for calm, saying: “We are determined to act in the best interest of learners at Tiyelelani Secondary School and surrounding schools. Allegations of misconduct by educators or any employee, even those from our service providers will be subjected to disciplinary processes.” 

The department said one learner was injured and subsequently rushed to a nearby clinic for medical attention during the Tuesday protest.

The SAPS in Gauteng said its members and Tshwane Metro Police Department officers continue to monitor the situation in Soshanguve and that on Tuesday the police used stun grenades to disperse the crowd, which was pelting stones. 

“Malicious damage to property cases were opened after four state vehicles and one private vehicle were damaged during the process. No injuries reported and there are also no arrests,” the police said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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